Perez Hilton Defends Gay Slur
Source: The Associated Press
Posted: 06/24/09 12:09AM
Filed Under: Celebrity
Perez Hilton isn't apologizing for using a gay slur.
The openly gay gossip blogger said in a statement Tuesday that he would continue to say things upsetting to gay and straight people alike. The comments came after the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation called for Hilton to apologize Monday for unleashing the word during an altercation at a nightclub with Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am.
"I wish none of it had happened," said Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira. "I can't take it back. I did what I thought was best at the moment to stand up for myself in a nonviolent yet still assertive way. Clearly, I am not homophobic. Also, I am not nor have I ever claimed to be a spokesperson for the gay community."
Slurs in Hollywood |
Two years ago Mel Gibson was pulled over in the early hours of July while speeding on a Malibu highway. He was booked on suspicion of drunk driving and was described as belligerent and saying, "f***ing Jews. The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world." He then asked one of the sheriffs if he was Jewish. Gibson later apologised and asked to meet with Jewish leaders in order to heal himself. |
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Hilton said he used the gay slur because he thought it would be the worst thing he could possibly say to will.i.am. after the musician told the blogger not to write about his band on his Web site. Police charged the band's tour manager with assault for allegedly punching Hilton during the confrontation at a Toronto nightclub early Monday morning.
"For someone in our own community to use it to attack another person by saying that it is 'the worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear' is incredibly dangerous," said GLAAD media programs senior director Rashad Robinson. "It legitimizes use of a slur that is often linked to violence against our community."
Earlier this year, Hilton incited a brouhaha when he asked then Miss California USA Carrie Prejean if every state should follow Vermont in legalizing same sex marriage. Her response that "marriage should be between a man and a woman" received more attention than the winner. Prejean, who was later dethroned, said she lost her crown because of the comment.
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