Oh Happy Day!
MSNBC Gives Imus the Boot
Who you callin’ a nappy-headed ho now Don Imus?
NEW YORK – MSNBC said Wednesday it will drop its simulcast of the “Imus in the Morning” radio program, responding to growing outrage over the radio host’s racial slur against the Rutgers women’s basketball team.
In a statement, NBC News announced "this decision comes as a result of an ongoing review process, which initially included the announcement of a suspension. It also takes into account many conversations with our own employees. What matters to us most is that the men and women of NBC Universal have confidence in the values we have set for this company. This is the only decision that makes that possible."
The network statement went on to say, "Once again, we apologize to the women of the Rutgers basketball team and to our viewers. We deeply regret the pain this incident has caused."
(MSNBC TV is wholly owned by NBC Universal. MSNBC.com is a joint venture between NBC Universal and Microsoft).
The network’s decision came after a growing list of sponsors — including American Express Co., Staples Inc., Procter & Gamble Co., and General Motors Corp. — said they were pulling ads from Imus’ show for the indefinite future.
But it did not end calls for Imus to be fired from the radio portion of his program. The show originates from WFAN-AM in New York City and is syndicated nationally by Westwood One, both of which are managed by CBS Corp. For its part, CBS has not announced plans to discontinue the show.
Before the announcement was made, Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) had appeared on the MSNBC program "Hardball," where host David Gregory asked the senator and presidential candidate if he thought Imus should be fired.
"I don’t think MSNBC should be carrying the kinds of hateful remarks that Imus uttered the other day," Obama said.
He went on to note that he and his wife have "two daughters who are African-American, gorgeous, tall, and I hope, at some point, are interested enough in sports that they get athletic scholarships. … I don’t want them to be getting a bunch of information that, somehow, they’re less than anybody else. And I don’t think MSNBC should want to promote that kind of language."
Obama went on to say that he would not be a guest on Imus’ show in the future.
On his April 4 show, Imus and his producer had referred to the Rutgers women’s basketball team as "nappy-headed hos."
The 10 members of the Rutgers team spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday about the on-air comments, made the day after the team lost the NCAA championship game to Tennessee.
Some of them wiped away tears as their coach, C. Vivian Stringer, criticized Imus for “racist and sexist remarks that are deplorable, despicable, abominable and unconscionable.” The women, eight of whom are black, called his comments insensitive and hurtful.
The women agreed, however, to meet with Imus privately next Tuesday and hear his explanation. They held back from saying whether they’d accept Imus’ apologies or passing judgment on whether a two-week suspension imposed by CBS Radio and MSNBC was sufficient.
Several players said they wanted to ask him why he would make such thoughtless statements.
Junior forward Essence Carson said she had done some research on Imus and his past inflammatory and derogatory statements about other people.
“Just knowing that this has happened time and time before, I felt that it might be time to make a stand,” she said Wednesday on NBC’s “TODAY” show.
“He doesn’t know who we are as people,” Carson said. “That’s why we are just so appalled with his insensitive remarks, not only about African-American women, but about women as a whole.”
Advertisers had been pulling out
Earlier Wednesday and Tuesday, advertisers had begun pulling out of supporting the Imus show. General Motors Corp., a significant advertiser on the show, said on Wednesday that it was suspending its advertising but could resume it at a later date.
“This is a very fluid situation, and we’ll just continue to monitor it as it goes forward when he returns to the air,” GM spokeswoman Ryndee Carney said, adding that GM would continue to support Imus’ charitable efforts for children dealing with cancer and autism.
American Express said Wednesday that it had also pulled its advertising from Imus’ show as of Tuesday. “Our policy isn’t to advertise on controversial programming,” company spokeswoman Judy Tenzer said.
Procter & Gamble Co. and the office supply chain Staples Inc. have also said they would pull out, and Bigelow Tea said it was considering doing so. How many other advertisers follow suit could depend largely on how Imus handles the fallout from the controversy.
Kim Hillyer, a spokeswoman for TD Ameritrade, said the brokerage was “evaluating” its continued advertising plans in the program but did not have any further comment.
Imus’ program is worth about $15 million to CBS Corp. through advertising on WFAN and syndication fees received from MSNBC and Westwood One.
A CBS Radio spokeswoman declined to comment on the advertiser actions or to identify other advertisers that may have pulled out of Imus’ shows.
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You know the name Imus kept popping up here and there for me [ref autism] but I didn’t even know he was a radio host. I kept meaning to track him down and see what all the fuss was about – now I don’t think I’ll bother, autism or not.
Best wishes
http://whitterer-autism.blogspot.com
Well, Jas, I disagree. I think he should have been allowed to keep his job, that way, I think that he would have made a difference and maybe opened the eyes of those who still don’t see anything wrong with what he uttered, and there are many that still feel he is been unfairly treated.
The man was humiliated by his vile slurs, and knows he was wrong. That said, now, I want the anger about nappy headed “ho’s” to head on over to BET and rap radio stations, and the sotres that sell that filth, and the venues that allow them to perform it as well. This hatred and degradation of black women, and ALL women in general, from white men, to black men, to rappers to obese drag queens has got to stop.
Jasmyne what is the different between us being nappy-headed hos and Imus? Me and you and those nappy headed ho’s from the Rutgers team still has a job.
I am so glad he is fired from MSNBC, CBS will soon follow suit.
I think your column in the Windy City Paper was headed in the right direction but went off track when you bought hip hop into the discussion…Hip Hop is not to blame for Imus and the general disrepect shown towards Black women by white males …there is a history going back to slavery and the mammy sterotypes
White males have some real sexual hangups regarding black women. Now the sh*t that passes for Hip Hop is responsible for the lack of respect towards black women propagated over the last 20 years by black males and blacks in general. Blame Hip Hop for being littered with modern day Stepin Fetchits and Bojangles but dont blame them for White male hangups.
Gordon from the naacp says Imus violated our community. When are blacks going to take responsability for violating everyones community? So he made a bad chioce of comments, Get over it! No one is screaming for sharpton to shutup with his crap. Its just the same old poor me shit with you people. Get off the drugs and welfare and make a life on you own for a change.
While, I have not one problem with your most odd rant, dmeeks, since I much prefer people to keep it real when they have umm, a disdain for blacks, even those without any real power over thier own lives other than to spew on silly message baords. But, you left out need to get rid of the nappy hair and leave the country, and all your issues would be resolved and your world perfect.
In my opinion, his idea was sharp and no kind to anyone. If he change his minds or he will accept by others. We talked about him on EbonyFriends.com and there were lots of men joined us.
Imus has every right to say what he wants no matter how racist, sexist, stupid or insulting it may be. BUT…when he abuses his right to the 1st Amendment in such a disgusting way, then dude gotta pay the piper. Plain and simple. Although MSNBC has now dropped his simulcast due to sponsors jumping ship, I hope that CBS drops his radio program completely. While I did not take personal offense (maybe I should have…I dunno), I was angry simply becuz he insulted young Black female collegiate athletes for absolutely no reason but to demean them. It was unwarranted, obnoxious, vile and hateful. Had he made nasty comments about Oprah (which he has), I wouldn’t have been as angry for the simple fact that O has a platform for rebuttal. If Imus’s comments hadn’t received so much media attention, these fine young women wouldn’t have had a chance at rebuttal or apology. I’m just salty about his target more than anything becuz he’s picking on young women that have done him no harm in any way. If he was commenting negatively about Bush for this BS war and other numerous stupidities, then I wouldn’t care becuz they’d be based on fact and have direct impact on US citizens versus a team of student athletes playing basketball. (And just for the record… Imus shouldn’t be criticizing anyone’s looks. Let’s just make that clear.)
I appreciate Al and Jesse Jackass (yeah I said it) leaning on NBC and CBS. Now I think it’s time they appoint a few cats to finish seeing Imus’s removal all the way through while they focus their attention on misogynistic and homophobic music (in gangsta rap and R&B). This is the time that W/we can actually get some serious stuff accomplished. I don’t mean lean on the rappers and singers becuz that’s a waste of time. They are protected under the 1st Amendment. Banning words cuz is simply stupid and immature. I curse and won’t be told what I can and can’t say becuz I carefully exercise discretion when speaking. Sadly, thinking is not a popular American sport but since I do it frequently, I will not be challenged on My 1st Amendment right and nor should anyone else. What should be done is this: Going after the media conglomerates and insist they stop playing music and videos that are degrading to women and the LGBT community. Lean hard on ‘em and then lean on their corporate sponsors. When you hit mofo’s in the pocket, they pay attention. I guarantee those songs won’t get played on the radio or TV when the loot isn’t being funneled in. Simple: they gotta choose the booty they want, booty music or booty as in funding. Then and only then will a difference be made. W/we can’t change some rappers/singers speak but W/we can change what the media conglomerates feature on their stations. Maybe then when these rappers/singers are getting material ready for their next release, they’ll re-think their lyrics since they know BS will not be tolerated or put in rotation under any circumstances. That’s WORD.
the ones that should fired are those idiots Al sharpton and Jesse Jackson,both of them are racist.
I did’nt know Imus was alive until this week. How many people actually listen to his show on regular basis, probably the same number as watch the women’s NCAA championship.
Any chance we are going to see Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton or Don Imus at the Rutgers season opener?
Kick Imus to the curb because he is an has been, low talent hack not because he made one stupid remark.
http://www.hollywood.com/news/Snoop_Dogg_Rappers_Hos_Are_Different/3679198
So Snoop says that rappers are different, lets connect the dots…Snoop MSNBC is owned by NBC and Universal and Snoop is on what record label, oh Universal….oh ok, so what he says means what…How long people are you going to keep watching corporate crap? How long are we all going to be tools to these assholes?
Teka
I really don’t care what happens to Imus. However, I do believe that hate speech is hate speech, whether it’s racial or political in scope. Whatever happens to Imus should also happen to Rosie O’Donnell, foul-mouthed rappers and other nasty people who have public forums to spew hate. Some of these jerk comedians, should also be shut down. I don’t like any of them. It’s important that double standards NOT be created.
I’ve watched Imus foryears and never understood why.What type of mentally needs that kind of constant derrogatory remarks from a post druggy.I quit. I hope they fire him.Although he had great guests his constantslurs and stupid remarksover and over and over.Get over yourself Imus your a jerk!
If Imus had said redneck or hillbilly or any other word that might have been offensive to whites this would be a non issue. Rosie can spew any shit she wants. So can Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. Blacks just seem to want to jump on any issue they can find to play the victim. Jess and AL have made a living being hypocrite hustlers.
No one is more racist than those two clowns.Says alot about the intelect of their base that they don’t notice this…
Imus used a term to describe the team as tough looking. And they are. So what.
No one says bitches, Hos and niggers more than rappers, but that’s OK. I’m sure this Imus thing would be ok too if the network and advertisers would make a large cash contribution to the Jesse & Al retirement fund. These two and their pals have done more to convince blacks that they can’t succede in the US than all black jokes ever told in hiemie town!! When your heros are rappers and hypocrites you are destined for the toilet. THAT”S NOT WHITIES FAULT! Just ignorance.
I’ve watched Imus foryears and never understood why.What type of mentally needs that kind of constant derrogatory remarks from a post druggy.I quit. I hope they fire him.Although he had great guests his constantslurs and stupid remarksover and over and over.Get over yourself Imus your a jerk!
@ the risk of the risk of much ridicule and unpopular rebuttals, I see nothing wrong with a double-standard in regard to speech. I think that intent is more the issue, Rabul. If ppl are too lazy to stop for a moment and think before they speak, it wouldn’t be a problem. When I jokingly call a friend a name, My intent is not hateful in any way. If someone takes it as such, then that let’s Me know their thinking is petty and limited. W/we have to know when it is or is not appropriate to say certain things. Public airwaves are not the place to do so. As as I mentioned before, thinking isn’t a popular sport for most so I kinda see your point but to neuter voices is not good for society as a whole. Punishing ppl when they cross the line is fine but don’t tread on the rights of those that use their words in the proper context.
Verb: Basically, I can agree with you that understanding speech intent is certainly the issue in personal relationships. However, if you don’t know someone, how can you be sure of their intent? In our diverse society it’s easy to offend somebody or another if reasonable care is not exhibited. While I may not be offended personally by some rude song lyrics, I can see how many people are, and besides, the use of the offensive language is quickly learned by children who may grow up to use it in an entirely different context. Again, as a diverse nation, we must work at dealing with relevance and strive towards purging staged devisive, rude and hateful behavior. The Imus’s, ODonnells, uncouth comedians and foul mouthed rappers have a public forum that you and I do not, and where the preponderance of their audience really has no idea as to what their intent may be…only what they may perceive it to be. Racial epithets and repugnant political statements are designed to hurt or offend others. Public hate speech has no place in America and is certainly not necessary. We have enough trouble in other areas, concerning the matter of perceived and actual double standards. We don’t need more. Besides, no one shouldn’t have to tolerate hate speech and foul language from anyone in a public forum. Fairness begets unity and unity begets progress as diverse, but unified, society. We should work at breaking down the divisions.
@ Rabul… First of all, thanks for not taking My comments the wrong way as I hope you wouldn’t. In fact, you are emphasizing the very point I’m trying to make. I understand the W/we don’t know a stranger’s intent and that’s why public airwaves should be treaded carefully. My whole point was geared toward public airwaves so I think W/we agree there. Ppl should, however, exercise their 1st Amendment right but when they go too far, swift and appropriate action should be taken. I am more than willing to give comedians a pass (I don’t know about you) as I think they are kind of like societal philosophers and while W/we may not always agree with them, they often make U/us think. In the Michael Richards case, his remarks were not part of his comedy act and he felt the pain after the racial spotlight was cast upon him. So let’s let folks speak and when they say stupid things, let them feel the consequences for such actions. What you may call someone’s “devisive, rude and hateful behavior”, I may not (and vice versa). Let’s just dole out the punishment when it’s necessary. I just worry that it may seem like W/we’re trying to put muzzles on ppl too soon in the game. BE peace, Brother Rabul.
Thank you Reverend Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson for ALWAYS standing up for all people, people of color, glbt, women, handicapped etc. Without your strength and courage We as a people would never progress. Dont worry about the haters, They continue to be the cowards who always ask Mr. Charley’ s opinion first. So scared are they who will attack their own so that they may remain in the favor of those who stand over them.
i won’t say rappers are to blame for his comments but why give him the boot and not be upset about the rapp lyrics of today. i say if it is wrong for imus it is wrong for all
Imus was right…they are a bunch of nappy headed hos.
This stuff about IMUS falls along racial boundaries the same way the OJ Simpson did.
White people support IMUS while blacks cry foul.
Blacks supported OJ while whites cryed foul.
OJ was found guilty in wrongful death and its just right that Imus be held accountable. Difference is we heard Imus say these things, but, no one seen OJ do anything except be maried to a white woman.
I must be the only black man on Imus’ side right now but I don’t care. Over the last week I have been watching the television in disgust as Al “I have my hair permed so it looks like a white man’ Sharpton attempts to talk for the entire race yet again. This in my opinion shows how weak minded my own black people are now lets be practical if this was a black radio host saying those blond bimbos from the San Diego volleyball team would there be an uproar…. NO. So lets see here what part of what he said was racist “nappy headed” OR “hoes”. Last I checked when black people don’t spend have their day focused on their hair it is naturally thick coarse and yes NAPPY so how is that racist. If you call a white person’s hair bone straight is that offensive. And last a check anyone can be a hoe so where is the controversy. Al and Jeese need to march every time there is less than a 80% attendance rate at the PTA meetings of black schools or maybe march every time a black man kills another black man, until then he needs to SHUT THE FUCK UP white people will never respect black people until black people respect each other.
I must be the only black man on Imus’ side right now but I don’t care. Over the last week I have been watching the television in disgust as Al “I have my hair permed so it looks like a white man’ Sharpton attempts to talk for the entire race yet again. This in my opinion shows how weak minded my own black people are now lets be practical if this was a black radio host saying those blond bimbos from the San Diego volleyball team would there be an uproar…. NO. So lets see here what part of what he said was racist “nappy headed” OR “hoes”. Last I checked when black people don’t spend have their day focused on their hair it is naturally thick coarse and yes NAPPY so how is that racist. If you call a white person’s hair bone straight is that offensive. And last a check anyone can be a hoe so where is the controversy. Al and Jeese need to march every time there is less than a 80% attendance rate at the PTA meetings of black schools or maybe march every time a black man kills another black man, until then he needs to SHUT THE FUCK UP white people will never respect black people until black people respect each other.
My husband and I are thrilled that Imus got canned. So is our 20 year old daughter. My brother is an Imus listener and he’s grousing about it but his wife is the most happy about Imus being fired. She hopes Imus loses everything, the ranch, the wife thats 50 years younger than him, the big shot politician friends (What were they thinking going on a show that in ‘98 told Mike Wallace that one of the producers was there specifically to do ni**er jokes?). My sister-in-law told me that she’s “had to listen to this” for years and Imus has always done this kind of nasty, evil, racist, sexist, misogynist, demeaning women stuff.
Oh frabjous day, callou, callay! What a great day for capitalism because it was the advertisers who kicked Imus to the curb. The Viagran media executives didn’t suddenly have an attack of conscience. Proctor and Gamble is a soap company; their customers are women. Of course, they were going to take our side against the Viagrans. P&G doesn’t present a “whore” image of women in their ads.
Its a great thing that the old stinker is gone.
One more point about the hip hop issue. This is not in a vacuum. The top female actresses appear nude in movies all the time. Julianne Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow, Meryl Streep, Sigourney Weaver. I am mystified why that fact isn’t part of the discussion about women being degraded. There is no reason for women to be absolutely naked in movies except that men want to see it and here are the very top actresses doing it to get work. I don’t date this new phase of degrading women to hip hop culture. I have a specific date for it: 1979, the year of the movie “10″ and the day I passed a news stand and saw Bo Derek, who was nude in the movie, on the covers of both Ladies Home Journal and McCalls, the womens magazines I had grown up with.