Outrage Over Radio Hosts Comments On Heath Ledger

The summary shown in the video above really says it all, to be honest. Tuesday, roughly an hour after Heath Ledger's death was announced, conservative radio host and Fox News commentator John Gibson openly mocked it. He laughed at his death, twisting the now famous "I wish I could quit you" line, and generally making an ass of himself.

MSNBC's Dan Abrahms hits it on the head when he calls it insanity. Gibson has since defended his comments.

Fox News host John Gibson responded to ThinkProgress’ criticism of his comments mocking the death of Heath Ledger, saying that it was just “a little Brokeback Mountain joke” and there is “no point in passing up a good joke.”

That's enough to make me question his sanity. MSNBC morning host Joe Scarborough had his own opinion.

So if you make a movie — this is now, it’s not that if you are gay, your death is a punchline. If you make a movie about being gay, your death becomes a punchline. I don’t know who syndicates this guy, but that is absolutely stunning, that John Gibson would be that mean-spirited and hateful.

Well said. I find it sad that this has become a gay issue at all. This shouldn't be about the fact one of his recent movies touched on gay themes, this is a man who left behind a family, and furthermore, he's a human being. Regardless of your opinion of someone, they deserve a little dignity in death, at the very least.

He defends it right now, but John must be aware of how badly he messed up here. He went with his gut instinct of making fun of people and crossed the line, and now he can't take it back. He talked without thinking. He'll surely issue a token apology of some kind, as I can't imagine his employers/sponsors aren't upset at the negative press he's brought them.

Speaking of which, GLAAD has started a petition to hold him accountable for his words. If you're as angered and saddened as I am, you might want to sign it or e-mail Fox News and make your opinion known. Other options? Contact his sponsors and ask them if they really want to support this kind of radio with their good names.

UPDATE: Gibson just released this very scripted apology.

Morning Joe Hosts Blast Gibson’s Ledger Comments [ThinkProgress]
[via: Towleroad]