Making Fun Of Ledger's Death: Not So Funny!

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Petitions are being signed and offended parties are mobilizing in response to Fox News Radio host John Gibson's homophobic and inappropriate mocking of Heath Ledger's death.

We reported last night about Gibson's disgusting behavior and have vowed to boycott his show, which we've been on in the past, unless he apologizes.

Hopefully some action will be taken against him by the higher-ups at Fox.

Now, GLAAD has jumped into the fray as well.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has denounced Gibson's behavior and just released the following call to action, something we suggested our readers do earlier too.

They say:

"January 24, 2008

Fox News Host John Gibson Cruelly Mocks Heath Ledger's Death and his Role in Brokeback Mountain

In the wake of Heath Ledger's death, people around the world are mourning the gifted actor's passing and are expressing their appreciation for how he changed hearts and minds with his Oscar-nominated role as a gay cowboy in 2005's Brokeback Mountain.

In a stark and disturbing contrast, Fox News Radio host John Gibson cruelly mocked Ledger's death and his role in Brokeback Mountain during his Jan. 22 John Gibson Show radio broadcast. During the show, Gibson played an audio clip from the film of Jake Gyllenhaal's character, Jack, telling Ennis (played by Ledger), "I wish I knew how to quit you." Gibson then coldly quipped, "Well, he found out how to quit you." Then, after playing another audio clip from the movie of Ledger's character saying, "We're dead," Gibson mockingly said, "We're dead" and played the clip again.

“Gibson’s remarks are vulgar and disgusting,” said Rashad Robinson, GLAAD’s Senior Director of Media Programs. “It’s sickening that Gibson would exploit Heath Ledger’s tragic death to promote such hurtful intolerance. And to do so at a time when family and friends are grieving shows a level of insensitivity that is beyond the pale.”
Beyond his mockery of Ledger's role in Brokeback Mountain, Gibson called the actor a "weirdo" with "a serious drug problem," and callously speculated on the reasons Ledger might have committed suicide. Gibson had previously mocked Brokeback Mountain–calling it a "gay agenda movie" on his Fox News TV program in 2006.

Listen to Clip:
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/01/23/gibson-mocks-ledger/

Gibson’s Past Comments on Brokeback Mountain:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,180499,00.html

TAKE ACTION NOW!
GLAAD strongly urges you to contact Fox News and ask its representatives why they continue to provide a platform for John Gibson's cruel and tasteless comments.

Please contact:

Mr. Mitch Davis
Vice President
Fox News Radio Network
1211 Avenue Of The Americas
18th Floor
New York, NY 10036-8701
Direct Phone: *212-301-5800
Outlet Fax: *212-301-5455
Outlet Phone: 212-301-3000
Email: mitch.davis@foxnews.com

Mr. Robert Finnerty
Senior Vice President
Fox News Radio Network
1211 Avenue Of The Americas
18th Floor
New York, NY 10036-8701
Direct Phone: *212-301-5800
Outlet Fax: *212-301-5455
Outlet Phone: 212-301-3000
Email: robert.finnerty@foxnews.com

Ms. Irena Briganti
Vice President of Public Relations
FOX News Channel
1211 Avenue Of The Americas
Lowr C1
New York, NY 10036
Direct Phone : *212-301-3608
Outlet Fax : *212-382-1411
Outlet Phone : 212-301-3000
Email: irena.briganti@foxnews.com
Contact by: E-mail

Ms. Suzanne Scott
Vice President, Programming
FOX News Channel
1211 Avenue Of The Americas
Lowr C1
New York, NY 10036
Direct Phone : *212-301-8558
Outlet Fax : *212-382-1411
Outlet Phone : 212-301-3000
Email: suzanne.scott@foxnews.com

foxnewsradio@foxnews.com
gibsonradio@foxnews.com

JOHN GIBSON
john.gibson@foxnews.com
212-301-3000

Please also see MSNBC Hosts, Keith Olberman and Dan Abrams’ reaction to Gibson’s on-air remarks.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22811536#22811536

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/22813005#22813005"

    Posted: Jan 24, 2008 at 2:28 pm / Email this  »

    807 comments to “Making Fun Of Ledger's Death: Not So Funny!”

    More comments: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 »

    1. rach says – reply to this


      1

      boo

    2. lexis says – reply to this


      2

      Yea, that was totally unprofessional and inappropriate…. I might contact them… FOX news in general sickens me.

    3. & says – reply to this


      3

      OH PLEASE!!!!!

    4. joanna says – reply to this


      4

      what an ass

    5. mish says – reply to this


      5

      kick him off!

    6. NONCYbOy says – reply to this


      6

      Yick!

    7. Kate says – reply to this


      7

      That is so typical of fox news. How dissapointing and embarrassing for the network.

    8. costamesaboy yes i'm an asshole, duh?! WTF says – reply to this


      8

      IN 2005 BUSH SIGNED~~~~~ "THE NORTH AMERICAN UNION"~~~ connecting ”"""""""Mexico,uSA,Canada"""" a free trade agreement, open boarders &&& the "Amero" like the "Euro"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BUSH SR. WANTS A ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT with computer RFD chips in every human,, get involved,, we may be fuckups, but are kids are not… LOOK IT UP!!

    9. SA Am says – reply to this


      9

      holler

    10. banana says – reply to this


      10

      I JUST SENT THAT SCUMBAG AN EMAIL!!! HE SEEMS TO FORGET ABOUT HEATH'S TWO YEAR OLD DAUGHTER… HIS HATEFUL HOMOPHOBE WORDS WILL LEAVE AND IMPACT ON HER ONE DAY WHEN SHE IS OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND!!!

    11. Lanie says – reply to this


      11

      It's called freedom of speech. You can have it but other's can't? I don't agree with what he said but the bottom line is we ALL have freedom of speech.

    12. becky says – reply to this


      12

      FIRST

      what a dickkk

    13. Victoria says – reply to this


      13

      How disgusting of him to say such words at this time.
      Hope they fire him asap.

    14. BrooklynBeckham (8-years-old) says – reply to this


      14

      Not deserving to LIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

    15. LINDSAY SYRACUSE says – reply to this


      15

      wow wat a homo

    16. shla says – reply to this


      16

      first!

    17. sera bae says – reply to this


      17

      grosssss

    18. becky says – reply to this


      18

      firstttt

    19. good job P says – reply to this


      19

      1st
      See Perez, when you put a good word…. Bravo
      Now let's get that @$$hole fired

    20. mel says – reply to this


      20

      first you suckers!!!!!

    21. Susie says – reply to this


      21

      Thanks for the info…they'll be hearing from me!

    22. dank says – reply to this


      22

      Who cares. People rip on all kinds of stuff…. gays, blacks, whites, death

    23. jane says – reply to this


      23

      3rd

    24. b says – reply to this


      24

      you rock for putting all their contact info up! put the phone on redial folks and blow this as*hole up!!!

    25. hgg says – reply to this


      25

      first

    26. & says – reply to this


      26

      This asshole needs to be smacked around a bit!!

    27. maria says – reply to this


      27

      thank god people are taking action. what a d-bag

    28. beckkkky says – reply to this


      28

      firstt!

    29. The Mama says – reply to this


      29

      FIRE HIM. HE SHOULD BE FIRED. If Don Imus got fired for making off color remarks, this A-Hole should be FIRED.

      Ass

    30. reesee says – reply to this


      30

      i'm all for free speech, but to mock someone's untimely death and attempt force your ignorant opinion on the rest of us because you're on tv is wrong. hopefully this guy will be out of a job soon..but you never know because it is fox news afterall

    31. Lil me says – reply to this


      31

      first!

    32. Kayla says – reply to this


      32

      John Gibson is a fucking heartless douche bag.

    33. furst says – reply to this


      33

      furst

    34. groovy says – reply to this


      34

      Perez… You ROCK!

    35. Rachelle` says – reply to this


      35

      First. Hah he should get in shit for what he said!

    36. Shay says – reply to this


      36

      I can't stand this guy anyway. What an asshole. Sadly, he will prob only pay for the comments he made in the next life. Heath is a HUGE loss to the acting community. Such a sad and unexpected death. Only someone with no heart would make those kinds of comments. x

    37. Conservative says – reply to this


      37

      He should apologise profusely for mocking a dead person and leave it at that. Why does the whole gay army have to come out and protest, it's nothing to do with them! Seriously stop making a mountain out of a molehill.

      Mocking a dead person is very distasteful but what he did was not homophobic.

    38. mega says – reply to this


      38

      I was soooo offended! I wrote and complained to the Fox network, Perez thanks for posting this info! It was in such bad taste, not funny and he should be fired. I hate fox anyway - cnn is better and has fewer idiots like this chump.

    39. Miss Priss says – reply to this


      39

      First

    40. Erin says – reply to this


      40

      Well it's disgusting to mock somsone once they are dead.

    41. ray dow says – reply to this


      41

      was he lying? the guy is famous for being a homo on a gay movie and popping pills and drugs. screw him

    42. Shannon says – reply to this


      42

      I don't like Heath Ledger. I don't dislike him, but I never really saw what the big deal was. His acting is not legendary. He's not a great talent. Hell, he's not even that good looking. But NO ONE deserves that, especially not in circumstances like these.

      I wonder what people will say when HE dies?

    43. Jasmine says – reply to this


      43

      What a f***** ass****!!! SERIOUSLY. I love Heath; seriously.! =[

    44. Jpong says – reply to this


      44

      1st ammendment…. Don't contribute to its erosion.

    45. ally says – reply to this


      45

      first

    46. Alex says – reply to this


      46

      Who cares!!!!!! I would only care if he really was gay. Gays rule straight people druel. and cannot dress well either.

      LOVE U ALL!!!

    47. Taylor Blue says – reply to this


      47

      FIRST!

      That will show him!!!

    48. Al says – reply to this


      48

      first :)

    49. well says – reply to this


      49

      whats so wrong with what he said? hes wasting his breath anyways. you know that superbug going around between the homosexual men right? you see kiddies, this is what happens when you involve feces in sex. no matter how well you wash there will still be remnants of feces in your asshole. when you put your dick and your mouth on eachothers assholes this is what happens.

    50. Jean says – reply to this


      50

      Whle I believe it a bit insensitive to the family to remark on Heath's role as a homosexual cowboy in BBM, it needs to be said that practicing sodomy is perverted. Sorry, Perez, but John Gibson need only apologize, IMO, for the 'timing' of his comments.
      John Gibson is an excellent reporter/journalist. Go FOXNEWS!

    51. carla says – reply to this


      51

      Post this as a bulletin on My Space to help spread the word!!!

    52. me says – reply to this


      52

      I agree with all of this–what he did/said was wrong. It is never appropriate to make fun of death; not for any reason. However, let's see the same kind of outcry about Dana Jacobsen, the ESPN announcer who spoke last week for a dinner and told everyone "f*** Jesus". How about calling for HER resignation?

      Mr. Ledger's death was untimely and sad, but to ridicule Christianity or ANY religion is WRONG. Please don't say she was just kidding–it would have been just as bad to say it about Muhammed, or the Pope, or Jewish leaders.

      Time to get priorities straight here!

    53. maD.skillZ says – reply to this


      53

      umm freedom of speech people!!! he was just expressing his thoughts calm down!~

    54. Catalina says – reply to this


      54

      GOOD! I hope everybody jumps on board because Fox news is the worst producer of ridiculous hate and nonsense on tv… I HATEEE FOX NEWS

    55. Stepher says – reply to this


      55

      I wrote… how sad and cold of that man.

    56. Taylor Blue says – reply to this


      56

      I wasn't first…but I think it wasn't called for. I listened to the clip and it was like he was mocking Heath…so unprofessional…I think something should be done.

      RIP Heath

    57. DESERT GAL says – reply to this


      57

      good…that's what he gets….

    58. Myron Bunzgrabber says – reply to this


      58

      I'd rather write their advertisers and sponsors. Who watches CoxSucking "News" anyway but Fred Phelps's gang of closet-case
      ass-eaters?

    59. jackie says – reply to this


      59

      what an asshole!

    60. Lili says – reply to this


      60

      OMG I just read this on another gossip site and was STUNNED but wasnt sure if it was totallly true. This is disgusting. What is WITH these Fox morons? Is it like a republican thing to be a complete and total douchebag 24/7???

    61. first! says – reply to this


      61

      nej first!

    62. carla says – reply to this


      62

      Re: Jean

      you are exactly what is wrong with America today. Why would you even come on Perez Hilton if you are that much of a purist??

    63. PEREZ OFFENDS ALL THE TIME says – reply to this


      63

      YOU OFFEND AND YOU OUT PEOPLE AND NOW YOU'RE ANGRY? YOU MAKE INNAPPROPRIATE COMMENTS ALL THE TIME. YOU ARE A HYPOCRITE, PEREZ.

    64. A CNN Viewer says – reply to this


      64

      Here's the email I just sent:

      All,

      I was a loyal Fox News viewer and am permanently switching to CNN due to your tacit endorsement of Mr. Gibson's remarks about Heath Ledger. This man just died - of a cause yet to be determined - and Mr. Gibson is mocking him? I suppose it's alright because he played a gay cowboy in a movie? C'mon.

      I respectfully request that you publicly denounce and censure Mr. Gibson's comments as they clearly went beyond the bounds of decency. If this is how you want your network represented, you can have it. But I'll have no part in watching a bigoted, inappropriate, and homophobic individual. What does this say about your programming??

    65. costamesaboy says – reply to this


      65

      also look up NAFTA SUPER HWY~~~~ connecting mexico city w- toronto,, obviously through the usa……. THIS IS REAL,, the "amero"__________ 9/11“ was a joint conspiracy, "Patriot Act">>>> THIS WILL INVOLVE EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE IN LIFE or even worse__YOUR KIDS,KIDS,KIDS,KIDS,KIDS,KIDS,, get busy now!!

    66. appaled says – reply to this


      66

      he is ridiculous! i am an avid fox new watcher but not him. a tragedy happens and he gay bashes?? no heart. thoughts and prayers with heath ledger's family and friends

    67. p says – reply to this


      67

      hope the bastard dies in some stupid manner so we can all laugh at him. asshole. Good Job Perez. Get this stupid fuck off the air.

    68. Melanie says – reply to this


      68

      Perez, you are such a sell-out. If he's a homophobe, why would you go on his show? Don't be such a media-whore. Better yet, if you are going to be a media-whore, don't cry and bitch about it later.

    69. Lisa Amsterdam says – reply to this


      69

      Thanks Perez! You deserve RESPECT for giving us this information. We love you and I support you 100%. This makes me proud of my liberal country and city. I wish someday it will be the same in the US. Love

    70. Aly says – reply to this


      70

      Perez I think you are wonderful for working so hard. Thank you for all that you do. This is crazy that a person would say such cruel things and that a network would allow him to do so.

    71. Jessica says – reply to this


      71

      GOOD. I hope this man gets fired. He was disrespectful and it was completely and utterly uncalled for. Inappropriate on so many levels. I'd hate to be in Heath's family and have to hear this just after finding out he died and still not knowing what caused it. Just because someone is famous it does not leave their death open for public mockery. This man was not only someones son, but someones father as well.

    72. carla says – reply to this


      72

      Re: me

      I think she should get a raise for saying F jesus LOL

    73. JACLYN says – reply to this


      73

      FOR SURE PEREZ! FUCK THAT FOOL WHAT A PIECE OF SHIT REALLY. I CANT BELIEVE HOW CRUEL AND DISGUSTING SOMEONE COULD BE OVER A WONDERFUL PERSON LIKE HEATH LEDGER'S DEATH. WHAT A SICK MAN. I WROTE A NASTY EMAIL TO HIM EVEN THOUGH SADLY IT PROBABLY WONT AFFECT HIS PATHETIC WARPED MIND OR HIS LACK OF COMPASSION FOR OTHERS AS WELL.

    74. Juice Tuna says – reply to this


      74

      What a dick!

    75. Leah says – reply to this


      75

      I have already sent out emails detailing my disgust at the comments that were made. This guy is a joke and should be removed from the air!

    76. B says – reply to this


      76

      It's Fox news, what do you expect???

    77. lynds says – reply to this


      77

      I'm glad people didn't let that one slide, what a scumbag! I'm glad I wrote in and I hope they fire him…

      anyway P I wish you'd post more Listen to This, I always love the music!

    78. midwest mom says – reply to this


      78

      Shame on him. I hope he collects the bad karma he spreads. He should be removed from the public airwaves.

    79. zain says – reply to this


      79

      fox news is a joke.

    80. Matt says – reply to this


      80

      I cant believe someone would say something to vile. I really hope appropriate action is taken!

      x

    81. Lena says – reply to this


      81

      He is the physical impersonation of a DOUCHE in human form

    82. elle says – reply to this


      82

      I agree that this guy was incredibly insensitive, but I'm against censorship. It would be hypocritical of me to say, "Say anything you want … as long as it's what I like."

    83. Aimee says – reply to this


      83

      Perez…. I think its great that you initiate these things. It shows you stand for something…. F*** that Ignorant P**** on Fox!!!!!!!!!!!! He will get his….

    84. courtney says – reply to this


      84

      Awesome Perez! Way to get your readers active! No, if only we can get you to comment some on politics…

    85. Nubian Goddess In a Vintage Pucci says – reply to this


      85

      Get a spray tan already! He makes Andy Warhol look like George Hamilton.

    86. FABIO says – reply to this


      86

      PEREZ, you are hardly what I would call THE LAST WORD IN WHAT IS GOOD TASTE…
      =================================================
      PEREZ, you are hardly what I would call THE LAST WORD IN WHAT IS GOOD TASTE…
      =================================================
      PEREZ, you are hardly what I would call THE LAST WORD IN WHAT IS GOOD TASTE…
      =================================================

    87. Katie says – reply to this


      87

      I can't believe Gibson had the nerve to do that. That is DISGUSTING. His ass should be fired. I am caling all those numbers. The Bossip blogsite should be boycotted, too, for filing Ledger's death under : In other white people news. Black people want to cry racism when people make condescending remarks about them, but they make them about other people. Heath's baby will have to grow up and see all that. IT's just sad. Mwaaah, Perez. Luv ya

    88. Diane says – reply to this


      88

      I'll never watch him again!!!

    89. rosita says – reply to this


      89

      This guy is a fucking asshole. How could you mock someone that just died? Let the fsamily mourn and let Heath rest in peace. Sounds like he is the fucking "weirdo'. Fuck him.

    90. Thelor says – reply to this


      90

      Uhhh has everyone forgot the he has freedom of speech??

    91. MVIII says – reply to this


      91

      The fact that everyone has the right of freedom of speech,does not mean that you have to make an ass of yourself. Remember Don Imus? he got fired after his remarks on african american girls…well it seems that having homophobic remarks on air it's less offensive……but hey..it's Faux news

    92. Mike_honcho1 says – reply to this


      92

      Dude, John Gibson is HILARIOUS!!! GLAAD is more uptight than the Republicans!!! I think Bush is liberal than those guys.

    93. Go Away Faux News says – reply to this


      93

      I'M SICK & TIRED OF ALL THIS ASSHOLES WORKING AT FAUX CHANNEL, BILL O'REILLY, SEAN HANNITY & GIBSON AMONG OTHERS ARE A BUNCH OF LOSERS RIGHT WING TURDS!!!

      BILL O'REILLY HAS SUCKED SEAN HANNITYS COCK SO MANY TIMES THAT HE HAS VARICOSE VAINS IN HIS MOUTH!!!!!!!!!!!

    94. lola says – reply to this


      94

      the world has too many people like this asshole.

    95. A Personal Msg FROM NonCYboY (With a Fake British Accent like BRIT--"WHere BE MY BaBIeS?"--BRIT!) says – reply to this


      95

      Re: A CNN Viewer – AWESOME LETTER!!! :)

    96. e2s says – reply to this


      96

      I am glad organizations are speaking out about the distasteful remarks. I hope more organizations speak out as well and more individuals write to FOX News in protest.

    97. D.Mason says – reply to this


      97

      I've e-mailed these idiots.This is intolerance and hatred of NAZI levels and these people have to be fired.What is happening to America!!??

    98. Buffy says – reply to this


      98

      I wrote them this email…

      Matilda Ledger will not remember her father Heath Ledger, as she is only two-years-old. All she will have left of her father when she grows up, besides his movies, are archives of articles and broadcasts which talked about his life. To think that one day she may come across a copy of John Gibson's broadcast during which he mocked the death of Mr. Ledger is beyong comprehension. John Gibson should be fired immediately and made to apologize in a very public forum for his callous remarks. To do anything less would be a travesty.

    99. idiots says – reply to this


      99

      everyone, shut the fuck up. he shouldnt have done it but seriously, shut up.

    100. Melissa says – reply to this


      100

      They really should fire him….what a jerk.
      His job is to deliver news not to talk crap.
      What a Jerk…it's cool Karmas a bitch Im sure a layoff is in order.

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