JAY LENO is apologizing for DECADES of anti-Asian jokes . . . dating from his early career, through his “Tonight Show” days, up to as recently as 2019 when he made cracks about Koreans eating dog meat while guest-judging “America’s Got Talent”.
The Asians / dog meat thing was one of his go-to punch-lines for years.
But now, in the wake of the rising violence against Asian Americans, Leno is apologizing. He said, quote, “I genuinely thought them to be harmless . . .
“I was [often] making fun of our enemy North Korea, and like most jokes, there was a ring of truth to them . . .
“There was a prevailing attitude that some group is always complaining about something, so don’t worry about it.
“Whenever we received a complaint, there would be two sides to the discussion: Either ‘We need to deal with this’ or ‘Screw ’em if they can’t take a joke.’ Too many times I sided with the latter even when in my heart I knew it was wrong.”
Some are classifying this as another “non-apology apology” . . . and others are freaking out about cancel culture coming for Leno.
Leno was facing pressure from an activist group called MANAA . . . the Media Action Network for Asian Americans . . . they’ve been after him for almost 15 years for his Asian jokes. But he DOES seem genuine.
He said, quote, “I [personally] am issuing this apology. I do not consider this particular case to be another example of cancel culture, but a legitimate wrong that was done on my part. MANAA has been very gracious in accepting my apology.
“I hope that the Asian American community will be able to accept it as well, and I hope I can live up to their expectations in the future.”
Jay is hosting a new version of the game show “You Bet Your Life”. It will premiere in syndication this fall.
(Variety)
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