The two men who were insulted by Michael are demanding a face to face apology and...money. I knew that was coming.

I agree Beverly. He knew what he did. Put yourself in his shoes...would YOU have known? Of course you would. Now as far as them getting money for it, puleaseeeee....that's being opportunist. In my book, it makes them no better than him.

It always comes down to money, doesn't it? As if money could make them feel better about the experience.

My take on this is, no one knew these two men, who they were, what their names were, nothing. They were two faces in the crowd, even after they opened their obnoxious mouths and started the whole thing by their LOUD insults. Yes Micheal was dead wrong, he should have known better, but so were these two men. Since when do we reward bad behavior??
I've been on stage in the spotligt and believe me when someone is loud and obnoxious in the audience it makes your stomach hurt; and these were times no one was targeting me, they were just drunk and being rude. I feel sorry for him on several levels, he is an inexperienced stage comic, he isn't very funny, and I feel he was the target. Was it planned, who knows. What we do know is they started it and he fell into the trap.

I know that fear makes us angry. When they heckled him he probably feared that he was being exposed as a fraud (he probably new he wasn't funy) and he became angry and attacked with the wrong words. Self-assured comics handle hecklers with wit and humor, turn the tables on them and continue their show. Wrong place, wrong time...

I agree that racist or vulgar remarks are never funny.....And yes, I did note how Richard's "victims," went on national TV with lawyer Gloria Allred to demand money for the lifelong emotional trauma her clients will be suffering. Isn't it odd that millions of parents don't file a class action suit toward the music industry for all the racist and vulgar lyrics that their children are exposed to by rap artists and gangsta rappers? How about comedians Chris Rock and all the movies which allow for "N"-talk as PC, but only when used by blacks? Is that not damaging to both blacks AND all other races? Talk about a crazy mixed-up world we're now living in.......When I was a 1950s kid living in the projects, it was NEVER appropriate to call other kids names and be vulgar. My parents or the nuns would have KILLED us! But back then, some things were more black and white....in a different way. I think we called it respect for all people.

The "N" word--NO MATTER WHO USES IT--is just plain wrong. Richards just said what he felt. How many of us have "thought" it but never said it. To me that's still the same because you still have the feelings in your heart.

Peace & Blessings,
Beverly Mahone
Author, Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age
http://www.talk2bev.com

“I’m not a writer because I wrote a book. I wrote a book because I was inspired by God.”

Saying you're not a racist doesn't mean you're not a racist.
I truly hope he takes the time to evaluate his response and his anger.

Again, I am reminded of the movie Crash. If you haven't seen it, you should.

Diane Sawyer had a spot on her show with one of her African American associates. Think about all the things we might say that are reminders of slavery----slaving over a hot stove. I had never considered that, not once, but it could be an insult to someone.