Making Fun Of Ledger's Death: Not So Funny!
Filed under: Gay Gay Gay > Australiastic > Media Minute > Heath Ledger
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.
I was appalled at John Gibson's remarks and felt that they were tasteless and uncalled for. In a time of sorrow for anyone, those of us who are human beings, show respect for the dead and those they leave behind. If Mr. Gibson has/had personal opinions about Mr. Ledger's passing he'd do us all a favor by keeping them to himself.
There goes the Christian right for you — they'll all burn in hell no doubt. What assholes!
Fux News Sux Donkey Wongs!
disgusting and unprofessional - a blatant disregard for human life. fox news can broadcast pro-life sentiments non-stop, but when someone dies tragically, they all of a sudden aren't "pro-life?" or respectful of life?? a LIFE was lost, let's have a day to grieve.
damn that guy is a jackasshole.
That is so horrible that what's his name mocked poor Heath's death. People like that need professional help.
I just sent Mitch Davis an email. John Gibson's remarks were cold, hateful, thoughtless and TOTALLY inappropriate!!!
Oh yes, Fox News is SOOOO much worse than CNN. Give me a break, people.
Perez i completely agree. this is such a horrible distasteful thing to do. I hate that man now. You hate him because he is just like you distasteful and a complete asshole.
FOX NOISE IS REPUBLICAN CHRISTIAN RIGHT WING PROPOGANDA. ITS NOT NEWS AND SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY FOR NEWS OR ANY STORY. I AM NOT AT ALL SURPRISED THAT THEY WOULD TREAT THE NEWS OF THIS SAD STORY WITH DISRESPECT.
Re: Lanie – People seem to forget that "freedom of speech" may be a fundamental right of americans…but it comes with responsibility. That responsiblity…if abused, comes with consequences, any person who fully understands the value of free speech knows this concept. Sure he has the right to be a fucking asshole and say all the hurtful and vicious comments he wants…but then must take full responsibility and consequences for them. People who can't understand that responsibility of free speech abuse it…and ruin that right for everyone else. I say this asshole needs to shut the hell up, and leave his hate-mongering to himself and leave this man's family to properly grieve.
I agree that these comments are rude and distasteful, but how different are they from the things you say!?! He needs to go, but you need to take a long look at yourself, Perez you are just as bad as him
If they don't cancel this guy's show, I hope everyone boycotts Fox.
You know what I find funny is GLAAD is mad at this guy for living in a country where we are suppose to be free to say what we want and not have an agenda BUT, GLADD is doing the same buy trying to rally gayfers around the world in protest. Sounds like an agenda to me and an opportunity to promote gaydom.
Its very PC of you to jump on people like this who profer their personal agenda in a cruel and outlandish fashion. Having said that…this is what you do every day! True, you are no journalist, but you have the ears and eyes of many who follow you blog and spread your venom and hate far and wide (how many folks have you "accused" of being homosexual, as if it were an arrow to their heart? you really are a prick, you know.
WHO GIVES A FUCK!!!!
On either end for that matter, dude O'd. People do everyday he was a subpar actor. Lets move on
I am already boycotting faux news b/c of how they have treated Ron Paul.
They are a shit for brains corporation!
I'm sorry, but what type of world do you all want to live in? One where everything that is said doesn't upset anyone? Especially for everyone on this blog, which is a controversial platform of freedom of speech to be be all up in arms! There's a lot of ignorance on this blog. The owner is one. WOW!!! Get over it, no harm, no foul. think about it.
just sent my email.. hopefully something will be done. he's just as bad as westboro baptist church.
damn…..this site is effed up!!!
Takes 100 tries to get a comment to go through!!!!
DO SOMETHING FATASS!!!
wow those comments are NOT homophobic! Insensitive? sure. Is he an ass? Yea probably, I mean he works for Fox News! But he just used sound bites from a movie to poke fun and try some dark humor on a touchy subject. Did it work? nope. But where does he expicitely acutally say he hates gay people?! If you keep crying wolf (or homophobe apparently) eventually it's just going to be white noise to everyone. pick ur targets better
Obviously, what he did is wrong. HOWEVER, not too long ago Perez, within the last couple of months, you were posting photos of Heath Ledger and scrawling derogatory comments about him and his physical appearance. So, I guess it takes one to know one. It was apparent in the photos of Heath that he was suffering and instead of being compassionate or empathetic you chose to be nasty. Just like John Gibson. The only difference? Heath was ALIVE and could very well have read what YOU said about him. Does this eat at you? Because now you are "SAD, SO VERY SAD. "Your blatant HYPOCRISY prevents me from joining the protest against Gibson.
If they can fire IMUS for hateful comments, then this guy should be out the door immediately!!!!
absolutly unexceptable!!! gross people have so much learning to do its sad
I have already emailed them all, and hope evyone else does the same
PEREZ is up to par with FOX which sucks bad. Journalism is becoming more of a JOKE every day.
Let's not forget to let the ADVERTISERS of this swill know you will boycott their products. Nothing gets the attention of a corporation like lost profits!
Re: Lanie –
There's freedom of speech and then just plain hateful words. I would agree with you completely if he had said these things under different circumstances. Heath Ledger just died, people are mourning. His daughter is left without a father. There's a time and a place to speak your mind. And obviously he picked a very bad time to do so.
When someone dies, no matter who it is or why it happens, they deserve some respect.
Re: carla – Like I'm gonna let anyone know I come to this ASSHOLES site. NOT A CHANCE!!
Stern toitally blasted this guy this morning on his show for those comments- he said they were inappropriate and insensitive esp. since it was only hours after heath died
I never send these type of letters, but I sent an e-mail to everyone you gave us e-mail addresses for. This was a human being who had a family. Just disgusting. Good for you for calling this idiot out!
No where in the Bible does it talk about two men being able to have children and reproduce. This gentleman is absolutely right, Brokeback Mountain is not something we should be showing our children. Shame on you Perez for being so irresponsible for promoting the GAY lifestyle. Turn from sin now so you don't spend eternity burning. For real, bro!
Pot kettle black? And ya'll make fun of everyone even dead people all the time!
I am researching the FCC regulations about obsense, indecent and profane broadcasts. This broadcast has clearly broken their regulations. Complaints can be sent electronically through the FCC site- If Janet Jacksons's boob cost Viacom millions of dollars in fines at the urging of Fox News broadcasters… what should this cost them???????
Funny - if Howard made those remarks, no one would say boo. Nobody listens to this guy anyway
John Gibson's a douche bag.
I would do Keith Olberman in a hot second. Damn, that is one sexy liberal!
People at Fox news are a bunch of republican and heartless assholes for:
1) Making fun of the death of one of the most amazing actors ever.
2) Airing a homophobic asshole like John Gibson who is a redneck biggot who probably can't accept the fact that he's gay.
I wrote an email. They are disgusting.
Yet another reason to boycott FoxNews
I e-mailed the schmuck, too.
Hope advertisers pull out of his news show.
That'll hit 'em where it really hurts!
Hey Perez–let's let his advertisers know that homophobic, weird comments like his will make us not buy their products!
I wrote the execs and CC'd the asshole himself.
Hope he gets fired.
Wow…how disgusting is that…what is this world coming to? I fear for my children…this guy makes me sick…we lost a wonderful actor who had the ability to change hearts and minds with one film and this guy choses to do this???? WTF!!!!!!
emailed.
please do the same.
this network is a disease that needs to be cured soon. they are purposely rotting our culture from the inside for a buck at an incredibly vulnerable time.
I JUST EMAILED THOSE BASTARDS:
HOW DARE YOU EMPLOY A DISGUSTING MONSTER LIKE 'GIBSON' 'MOCKING' HEATH LEDGER'S DEATH. MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING HIS FAMILY ARE IN MOURNING, AND GIBSON IS A BASTARD FOR MAKING DISGUSTING COMMENTS ABOUT A DEATH OF A MAN.
HE NEEDS TO APOLOGIZE, BUT ITS TOO LATE. HE NEEDS TO BE SACKED! ARE THESE THE TYPE OF POEPLE YOU EMPLOY AT FOX NEWS?!!!! YOU ARE SELFISH AND HAVE NOT TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THAT A MAN HAS DIED AND HE NEEDS HIS RESPECT.
SHAME ON YOU
UK FAN OF HEATH LEDGER (RIP)
I emailed him when you first posted his email. I emailed him and everyone mentioned in the article. What a douchebag Perez You Rock, way to stick up for poor Heath:(((((
You are right. It was in such bad taste. I don't get where the news world is heading to, there is no integrity at all.
Hey perez, I emailed Mitch Davis. It was a pretty to the point email. I am really offended by what Gibson said. Why on earth would Fox news want someone like that representing their company?? Disgusting.
Right on Perez!!!! I usually don't leave comments, but this is awesome of you. I wrote the following letter to EVERYONE!! :
This is an absolute outrage! What a HORRIBLE and horrific act to make fun oh Heath Ledger after his VERY untimely and sad death. We, as the public, demand action against John Gibson. This is a credible news station and I am beyond words at the ultimate disregard for another human being's life and unfortunate death. His poor family is in incredible pain and he makes FUN of this actor. Absolutely disgusting! You will be losing MANY viewers if action is not taken.
FOX is laughable journalism, Perez is up to par with FOX which doesn't say much. FOX news is controlled by the republican scumbags. THEY don't know how to address and deliver real news. HATE GIBSON, scum.
"the number you are trying to reach is no longer in service-"
hmm. i wonder why. probably got some pretty bad phone calls.
:)
perez..i contacted the first number and they were saying how you are an idiot and they want to get you on the show because you posted a wrong number? Then they told me to contact gibson himself because he was going on air at 6 and promptly hung up…so expect a call from FOX news soon lol
If he really loved his kid, he would have stopped using drugs.
Hi Perez,
I sent out an email this morning to the contacts you gave in your earlier post telling them how disgusted I was about this whole situationa nd how they continue to let this man berate and mock people that aren't just the same as he is and I just forwarded that email to the new contacts that you provided in this post. I know that every email counts in letting Fox know that this is just absolutly unacceptable and it is the small but worthwhile contribution to the cause. I have gay and lesbian friends that are fearful in that they will be openly attacked even in their own neighborhoods by closeminded people like this asshole…
Fight the man!
Oh God..Calm Down..John Gibson is exactly right. Sometimes the truth hurts. Take your medicine and shut the f-ck up
john gibson for PRESIDENT!
relax homos! he speaks on behalf of millions of americans. wether you homos like it or not. the majority of americans dont like fags. realize that.
I'm a pretty free going person and nothing really phases me too terribly. I understand that people in Gibson's position are feeling more and more threatened by the up and coming generations. I didn't really care for his remarks about Heath doing himself in over the Stockmarket or calling him a "Weirdo". I did, however, get quite pissed when he ASSUMED that Heath had been thinking about death at the age of 28. How is he to know what was going on in Heath's life at that time? He can keep his first amendment right, but he should probably stay away from things he has no idea about. I'm sure John Gibson has never thought about death (being so close to it as he already looks) when a semi-truck tries to sideswipe him on the street or when he slips in the tub because he doesn't have his granny mat down.
It sickens me that people actually think that picketing funerals and saying such comments as Mr. Gibson from Fox News did on Heath Ledger's death is something "God" would want or is a "Godly" thing to do. Apparently if they are so Christian they are reading the wrong Bible. The Bible clearly states that he loves ALL people. It doesn't say he loves half, one-fourth, just white….it says he loves ALL people. Apparently the God they are worshipping is not a loving God. I know mine is and he wouldn't stand for such filth as these people represent.
Whether your religious, atheist, Republican, Democrat…it doesn't matter. These actions and words are cowardly and borderline psychotic.
This man represents everything that is SICK about the USA.
Ignorant and Stupid with a mind the size of a pea!
I have emailed everyone on this list. I think it is disgusting that Fox News will allow a douche like this to continue working for them. I think everyone who reads it should do the same and maybe they will fire his stupid ass. RIP Heath Ledger
Thank you for putting this call to action on your site and providing your readers with a way to make their voice heard. Heath Ledger took a real risk when he decided to co-star in Brokeback Mountain and was an inspiration for many people when he brought the controversial issue of same-sex love out in the open in mainstream society. It's time that we speak up and put an end to this often overlooked form of prejudice and discrimination. There's a reason why the suicide rate among gay youth is so much higher than among their heterosexual peers and it needs to end-NOW. Speak up for those who no longer have a voice.
i sent that asshole a message i hope that bastard looses his job and no one forgives him 5 months from now like they always do!!
Perez, how is it ok to blatantly make fun of premature infants but you are disgusted by Gibson's remarks? Hurts when something someone says hits close to home, doesnt it? Kind of like how I felt after seeing that funnyordie.com clip… (I am a mom of a child who was born 11 weeks early by the way.)
He must die.
Perez,
Thank you for giving us this information. I have written an email. I know it's not much by itself. But someone has to stop this madness. Take care!
I SENT THIS EMAIL TO THOSE FUCKERS:
DEAR YOU SON OF A BITCHES,
HOW DARE YOU EMPLOY A DISGUSTING MONSTER LIKE 'GIBSON' 'MOCKING' HEATH LEDGER'S DEATH. MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING HIS FAMILY ARE IN MOURNING, AND GIBSON IS A BASTARD FOR MAKING DISGUSTING COMMENTS ABOUT A DEATH OF A MAN.
HE NEEDS TO APOLOGIZE, BUT ITS TOO LATE. HE NEEDS TO BE SACKED! ARE THESE THE TYPE OF POEPLE YOU EMPLOY AT FOX NEWS?!!!! YOU ARE SELFISH AND HAVE NOT TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THAT A MAN HAS DIED AND HE NEEDS HIS RESPECT.
SHAME ON YOU
UK FAN OF HEATH LEDGER (RIP)
It has ZERO to do with freedom of speech! If you work at McDonalds and treat a customer with disrespect you get FIRED! You want to make a comment about celebrity worship fine…but to make these sociopathic comments is just pain wrong and bad for this country.
Agree with Ledger or not, or Gibson or not… remind us of our Constitutional rights, if you will. However, there -is- such a thing as tact. Mr. Gibson showed none.
Thank you, Perez, for doing something good for a change.
Fox News are scum, and this guy takes the cake. He also cheered on British police when they shot that innocent Brazilian guy on the subway for no reason Gibson is a royal asshole.
Hey perez, I emailed Mitch Davis. It was a pretty to the point email. I am really offended by what Gibson said. Why on earth would Fox news want someone like that representing their network?? Disgusting. Thank you perez for posting the information. Awesome!
so what? lighten the fuck up, it was fine for kathy griffin to bash Jesus
its Fox news… fuck those small minded republicans!!
Definitely emailed all the assholes and made sure more people heard his stupid comments!
I hope the momentum builds and Fox News takes action. This isn't an isolated case though. Fox News has been in the gutter from the beginning. The fact that millions of viewers tune into this bigoted trash every day makes me sick. What kind of lowlife puts the boot in a man who's just died without any thought for his family? If he were talking about Heath Ledger or Joe Nobody, it wouldn't matter, it'd still be absolutely despicable.
I have already emailed Fox and now all of my friends to request that they boycott Fox News (Most of them had done that already) and call for the firing of that Jackass.
I have also posted about this on my personal blog calling for all to pass it on.
He does have freedom of speech, but we do not have to listen to his ignorance. I'd rather hear someone with some intelligence and tact and if enough people rise up, maybe we'll get our wish.
You know what is even MORE disgusting? The fact that GLAAD would be so opportunistic as to steer the entire dialogue of Mr. Gibson as an insult to the poor, picked on gay community. I thought that Mr. Gibson's comments were harsh and uncalled for at least. However, any gay comments were minimal at best. I think the things he said were mean-spirited. Heath may be everthing John Gibson said, but it was hurtful to say such things…especially for the family.
I'll be sending in a complaint. How disgusting and completely unsavoury.
I don't usually make formal complaints, but in this case I felt that it was necessary. If Don Imus was fired for making racist comments about a women's basketball team, how is John Gibson going unpunished for mocking the tragic death of Heath Ledger?! Please use the e-mails provided to contact FOX and express your outrage. Something has to be done about this hateful, repulsive Gibson!
FOX is the dog shit for TV at best….but Perez, why so choosy when it comes to morality?
NOT OK to make light of Heath Ledger's death…but TOTALLY OK to make light of Lily Allen's loss of her baby?
I'm just sayin'.
Come on dudes who gives a fuck just another dead actor who gives a fuck. I will do the job email me at edgenet@hotmail.com I need a job that pays $20mil for a few weeks of work Please no Olsen twin I don't need or want those crazy scanks
Boring!!!
Next post!!!
Email sent!
MAKING FUN OF HEATH"S LIFE, NOT SO FUNNY…that's what you did PEREZ, very recently, as you scrawled derogatory comments about his appearance. HYPOCRITE.
honestly, is there anyone with any sense that still takes FOXnews seriously? it's just like a giant commercial for all things right-wing-douchebag-ugly.
this would not mark the first or last time they've allowed homophobic, slanderous, revolting things to be spewed in the name of "news."
ick.
Absolutely disgusting. I just sent my emails to FoxNews. Thanks Perez for all the info!
If you find WORDS so disturbing, you should see my concentration camps………….. LIGHTEN THE FUCK UP AND GET A LIFE
EXERCISE YOUR FREE SPEECH AND GET THIS ASSHOLE FIRED!!!! What's more effective? Stop watching FOX network completely and write to the sponsers of Gibson's show.
I can't even believe this is an issue, I didn't think anyone even bothered to watch fox news? Your making it worse even talking about this John guy. He's just some washed up old geiser who god willing will kick the bucket soon too!!!! I rather subject myself to horrible reality tv programs, at least they are more "real" than fox news will ever be!!!!
I just emailed all of Fox management (thanks for that homework, Perez). This bonehead should be fired. "Fair and balanced" my ass! This network is ignorant and intolerant.
John Gibson is a piece of shit!!! I can't wait until he dies and everyone can make fun of the fact that he is dead and laugh about it!!
And I think he should be fired and publicly hung by his balls for being such an ignorant dick!!!
Totally wrong what this "journalist" did. I wrote to all the names above and I wish they will make him apologize in public.
Heath Ledger was a wierdo with a serious drug problem. Don't see anything wrong with saying it.
Perez you are FULL OF SHIT. You talk about people's lives and insult them all the time, soon Britney will die and it will because assholes like you. Kathy Griffin insulted Jesus yet that was fine.
I just called Mitch Davis phone number, and he informed me to call Mr. Gibson direcat, as no one but him should respond to his cruel comments concerning Heath Ledger. He then hung up on me. As my grandfather use to say, if you can't say something nice about the dead, then don't say nothing at all. Are you listening Mr. Gibson??????
Yes, he said something stupid, but it's freedom of speech. I wish someone would stick up for me when people attack Christmas and other things I believe in. He's an ass clown for saying what he did, but free speech only exists if you are making comments about white Christians. This country has become ridiculous with all of the PC bullshit.
Its really a shame that when a celebrity dies the whole world stops…but yet innocent people and soliders who are protecting this country everyday are dying also, and yet people are so quick to shed a tear for a celebrity..SOMEONE THEYVE never ever met, but yet they have no respect to honor those fallen soldiers who are giving up their lives for our country….. PATHETIC>..
First of all just because there is freedom of speech doesn't mean that you are allowed to report homophobic and false information. He is saying that Heath died from illegal drugs. REALLY… uhhh not even the coroner knows that yet. He is also calling Heath a weirdo. He didn't know him, he is calling him that because he played a gay character. It's called acting asshole. when this asshole has a heart attack one day we should let Goerge Clooney opperate on him since he was a doctor on t.v.
thanks for all the address prezz. Someone needs to stop this ignorance. What he did was uncalled for. Its a shame that he degraded heath with such a low blow like that. Fox and this ancorman/bigot needs to be canned A.S.A.P
Thank you for the call to arms Perez. I've already written the VP that I want John Gibson fired. This is no less offensive than if he had called Heath a 'nappy headed ho' and if we can get one jackass fired we can surely have this one removed from our airwaves as well. Nice to see ya doing some good, not just ragging on celebs.
This is absolutely beyond comprehension and he should be fired immediately. An apology is not even acceptable.
John Gibson and Fox News are absolutely disgusting beyond any words.
1- HEATH was not gay, he portrayed a gay man to tell the story of the community.
2- HEATH was not a drug addict dispite the original rumors all now established as false. IF HE DABBLED in some drug use at some point in his life so fucking what. He was not running for office. LOTS of people party without becoming addicted. Go ask your mother anyone under 25.
3- THESE comments by this right winged closeted homosexual are offensive and UNPROFESSIONAL. It is his job to communicate the news, AND NOT his opinion and NOT his beliefs.
Who is this guy to make fun of Heath? He looks like a fuckin corpse with an asshole for a mouth. He probably has more gay sex than I do!