Joan Rivers gets into shouting match over race
By Scott Martelle
Times Staff Writer
Originally published October 20, 2005
A discussion over race on a live London radio show Wednesday devolved into a shouting match of personal insults, with comedian Joan Rivers angrily cursing at a fellow guest she thought had called her a racist.

Rivers, who begins a tour of England on Friday, was a guest on BBC Radio 4's "Midweek" program with Darcus Howe, a Trinidad-born writer and black activist, and two other guests, including author Jackie Collins. Howe is the subject of a new movie, "Son of Mine," about his relationship with his son, who spent half his youth in Trinidad with his white mother.



As Howe talked about the pervasiveness of race in personal relationships, Rivers interrupted to say: "I'm so bored with race."

Howe responded: "You're entitled to be bored by it. I am not."

Rivers went on to say she thought race should be irrelevant, and intermarriage should be common.

"Race doesn't mean a damn thing — it's about people," she said.

After host Libby Purves remarked that Rivers was espousing "an American approach," Howe condemned the U.S. as "the most savagely racial places in the world."

After a back-and-forth over the nature of hatred, and a discussion of the film about Howe, the discussion turned angry when Howe tweaked Rivers, referring to "Caribbean children, since black offends Joan."

Rivers exploded.

"How dare you say that! You know nothing about me," Rivers said.

Howe revised his comment to say, "the use of the term black offends you."

"Where the hell are you coming from? You have got such a chip on your shoulder," Rivers said. "Don't you dare call me a racist! I want an apology from you."

As Purves tried to mollify Rivers, saying she didn't think Howe was making a personal comment about the comedian, Rivers became increasingly angry.

"This is a problem in your stupid head," Rivers told Howe, and then accused him of abandoning his responsibilities as a father. "Where were you when he was growing up?"

Purves again tried to smooth the waters.

"I have great sympathy with both sides," Purves said, "but I am starting to feel like Oprah."

"Both sides? Then you're a racist," Rivers said, stunning the host into momentary silence as Rivers continued, calling Howe a "son of a bitch."

After Howe said he did not think Rivers was a racist, Rivers said: "Thank you. Please continue about your stupid film."

The exchange can be heard on the program's website, www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/fact...eek.shtml.

joan rivers is a deeply flawed individual, no doubt about it, but i really don't see from this article how she was coming off racist. a bit naive, maybe. but not racist.

Anxiety said:

I totally agree. I'm sticking up for Joanie on this one.

meltwithu said:

meltwithu said:

that old bag

Darcus Howe is one of the most mild mannered activists in the UK so for him to get involved in a heated debate... well, it could only be Joan Rivers.

I FUCKING HATE Joan Rivers, but I have to say that I don't think she was saying anything racist at all. She said she was bored with the concept, and that it should be irrelevant. To me, this is about the polar opposite of racist.

For this guy to attack her for racism in America is just plain wrong. Like ALL Americans should pay for the sins of our so-called leaders.

I think people forget that Joan is a comedian. I think she forgot that on this one too! lol! good for Joan, right or wrong..she stuck up for herself!

applekisses said:

Yep me too. Joan can be crazy at the best of times, but she's no racist. Some people do have huge chips on their shoulders. I sometimes wonder how they get around.

Shorty said:

I think people forget that, because she is so unfunny.

onenitealone said:

Darcus is sound but if you've never seem him in a "heated debate" before... then well, I don't think you're really up to speed with Mr. Darcus Howe.

By the way, I fucking hate Joan Rivers. The rancid bitch.

I think Joan Rivers is funny but she's not exactly known for her tact. I dont think she was being racist, but maybe she was being dismissive and somewhat arrogant..which got Howes goat up.

...
[Edited 10/21/05 8:54am]

senik said:

Hi Senik, you might be right mate. I'm certainly no authority and I can only speak from experience. But he's always been very calm and considered when I've seen him debating. Certainly not throwing wobblies.

Well I agree with Joan on the point she made, but I saw her do an entire 20 minute set on TV this year and it was ALL about being Jewish. So maybe she should cut it out too.

senik said:

Co-sign.

She came off sounding naive and arrogant. SHE may be bored with race, but it's something folks of color have to deal with. I think all that plastic surgery has affected her brain, that old hag.

onenitealone said:

Howz'it mate. My apologies if my post came across in an antagonistic manner. If wasn't meant to be directed that way.

Darcus has made plenty of documentaries and programmes for television and believe me, he can give a grilling when he wants to. He was once an associate with the Black Panthers, back in the day. Darcus can hold his own

Ellie said:

is she Jewish?

JediMaster said:

the sins of the fathers are reaped on the sons.....


and I think LleeLlee is correct. her dismissive attitude would piss me off as well. We all know we are all human, etc, etc but we all aren't treated in the same manner. I don't think Joan is a "racist" but she's ignorant for even saying "I'm so bored with race." I would have been a little pissy too.

It would've pissed me off if someone who didn't know me had said I had an issue with the word "black" like he did. I agree with her - "how dare he!"

I think she was right to stand up for herself. Good for her!

uPtoWnNY said:

uPtoWnNY I'm not sure of her stand point on race and nor have I just formed an opinion on her post the 30 sec fracas with Darcus Howe.
I've always thought that she's a stinking old sweat sock doused in free complimentary perfume.

The rancid bitch.

senik said:

Really??! I didn't realise. Perhaps Joan Rivers didn't know what she was letting herself in for!

Anyway, no worries mate - I know you're a sound guy.

Reincarnate said: