George Carlin had a famously controversial stand-up routine, in which he attempted to prove rape can be funny. Taken at face value, and especially if you aren’t familiar with Carlin, this sounds like it could be a shock-value gag. In delivery, it is not, and by the end of the act – which is a thinly veiled rant against political correctness — his point resonates.
But are some topics truly off limits? This is the compelling question of Ferne Pearlstein’s The Last Laugh, a documentary that questions whether the Holocaust is something that can ever be a source of humor.
Pearlstein interviews many noteworthy figures from the comedy world — Mel Brooks, Gilbert Gottfried, Sarah Silverman, David Cross, Rob Reiner and Carl Reiner, to name but a few – and what’s surprising is the disparity in their opinions on the subject. For example, one might be surprised to hear Brooks opine...
But are some topics truly off limits? This is the compelling question of Ferne Pearlstein’s The Last Laugh, a documentary that questions whether the Holocaust is something that can ever be a source of humor.
Pearlstein interviews many noteworthy figures from the comedy world — Mel Brooks, Gilbert Gottfried, Sarah Silverman, David Cross, Rob Reiner and Carl Reiner, to name but a few – and what’s surprising is the disparity in their opinions on the subject. For example, one might be surprised to hear Brooks opine...
- 3/3/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
There’s nothing funny about the Holocaust, which is probably why some comedians think it’s about time to start making jokes about it. The Last Laugh, a documentary by director and cinematographer Ferne Pearlstein, reveals, dissects, and discusses the subject of taboo humor in general and the Holocaust in particular. Pearlstein gathers together interviews with numerous comedians, writers, producers, and activists, including several Holocaust survivors, to present their perspective on what can be joked about and what cannot and where, if anywhere, comedy must draw the line.
Auschwitz survivor Renee Firestone represents the major argument for laughing in the face of overwhelming evil, as she recalls her experience in the camps and afterwards. She discusses the use of humor within the camps, up to and including cabaret productions by performers that tacitly made fun of the Nazis and the SS guards. While Firestone is the most personally profiled survivor,...
Auschwitz survivor Renee Firestone represents the major argument for laughing in the face of overwhelming evil, as she recalls her experience in the camps and afterwards. She discusses the use of humor within the camps, up to and including cabaret productions by performers that tacitly made fun of the Nazis and the SS guards. While Firestone is the most personally profiled survivor,...
- 4/19/2016
- by Lauren Humphries-Brooks
- We Got This Covered
Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was surprised by criticism of a crowd-pleasing oath he thought was all in good fun but some have criticized as too similar to a Nazi salute. "Honestly, until this phone call, I didn't know it was a problem," he said when he called in to the Today show Tuesday morning. "I'm very surprised to hear it." With just one week to go until March 15th - when Gop primaries in Florida, Ohio, Illinois, and elsewhere will help determine the Republican nominee for president - the party front-runner has been calling on attendees of his...
- 3/8/2016
- by Tierney McAfee, @tierneymcafee
- PEOPLE.com
Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was surprised by criticism of a crowd-pleasing oath he thought was all in good fun but some have criticized as too similar to a Nazi salute. "Honestly, until this phone call, I didn't know it was a problem," he said when he called in to the Today show Tuesday morning. "I'm very surprised to hear it." With just one week to go until March 15th - when Gop primaries in Florida, Ohio, Illinois, and elsewhere will help determine the Republican nominee for president - the party front-runner has been calling on attendees of his...
- 3/8/2016
- by Tierney McAfee, @tierneymcafee
- PEOPLE.com
Former Anti-Defamation League director Abe Foxman couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw Donald Trump asking supporters to raise their right hands and promise to support him. “As a Jew who survived the Holocaust, to see an audience of thousands of people raising their hands in what looks like the ‘Heil Hitler’ salute is about as offensive, obnoxious and disgusting as anything I thought I would ever witness in the United States of America,” former Adl director Abe Foxman told The Times Of Israel. Foxman was speaking about a moment at Saturday’s Trump rally in Orlando, Florida.
- 3/7/2016
- by Brian Flood
- The Wrap
The Anti-Defamation League is outraged at hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons for comparing animal abuse to slavery and the Holocaust on Thursday. “The comparison of animal suffering to that of human suffering in the Holocaust and in slavery is outrageous, offensive and insensitive,” Adl National Director and Holocaust survivor Abraham H. Foxman said Friday. “We would have expected better.” While speaking at an event organized by horse-carriage opponents advocating for a ban on the New York City tradition, Simmons likened the practice to slavery, “ethnic cleansing,” and “putting people in ovens.” Also Read: Russell Simmons Fires Back at Geraldo Rivera...
- 7/17/2015
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
The Isa of the Day segment of SydneysBuzz resumes for the Cannes Film Festival 2015. ISAs, or International Sales Agents, help to bring films into global distribution by selling distribution rights to distributors worldwide. Topics include new trends in distribution and sales, inspirational success stories, film slates and more. A worthy read for any serious filmmaker looking to have a better understanding of the chain of business between producing a film and sharing it with the world.
Philippa Kowarsky is the Managing Director of Cinephil, an international sales company that is renowned for securing financing and distribution for documentaries from all around the world. Kowarsky started Cinephil 18 years ago on the first of January in 1997.
Cinephil has a solid history of working with award winning films including Academy Award nominee, “The Gatekeepers“ (for which Kowarsky was a nominee, with Cinephil as the producer); the 2014 Academy Award nominee, “The Act of Killing, and Dror Shaul’s “Sweet Mud”, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
Kowarsky, the first ever film sales agent of Israel, shares more about her background and the success of Cinephil:
I’ve was doing sales, marketing and production before I started Cinephil. I worked for some studios in Israel, and got into sales because there were no companies dedicated to sales only. I was representing films at the previous company I worked at — when I left, people just kept coming to me, saying “Will you take my film?” I started Cinephil and we got a film into Rotterdam’s mocumentary section. It was the first Cinephil festival. I didn’t even have a proper concept or mission for my company, but I did meet sales agents from around the world, and thought, “Perhaps we could have some sales agents in Israel!” Then it became a bit more formal.
We started doing everything - features, children’s programming, and documentaries -working with Israeli and Palestinian films. Over the years, we decided to drop children’s programming, and then let go of feature films (which I still love). Now Cinephil focuses on documentaries.
About 8 years ago, we decided to go International to represent films to the world, from the world – everywhere. It doesn’t matter where you’re based: Tel Aviv, Paris, Montreal or New York. Everyone is traveling to all the festivals, and everything is done by emails and phone. Thanks to technology, we have a very international career and life, and to make matters better, we also have Heather Wyer working for us out of Montreal. Having a North American base is great!
How did you enter the film industry?
A lot of this happened to me by chance. I received an Ma in London for communication policy studies. At the end of the day, it’s been helpful, because it has given me a deeper understanding of the media world. That’s been a strong part of Cinephil – being able to strategize with all this know-how.
When I started 20 years ago, there was very little international film and television activity in Israel. In the meantime, the Israeli industry has developed, but getting Israeli films into festivals was a big deal back then. Now our cinema is well received everywhere. There are fabulous agencies based in Israel, including our TV channels which selling product around the world.
How is Cinephil expanding?
We do sales and distribution and act as Ep’s on films. We’ve always been into development and raising finance for films, but recently the films we’ve been working with are of a higher profile. One of the highlights is when we came in as producers for “The Gatekeepers”, for which we were nominated for an Academy Award in 2012. In 2013, we were back in Los Angeles with “The Act of Killing”, which was nominated as well. We are proud to work with Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sorensen again on “The Look of Silence”, which premiered in competition in Venice last year and won the Grand Jury Award on top of four other awards. Since then, it has won countless awards worldwide. We’re now working with Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi on “The 50 Year Argument”.
Please discuss your slate for Cannes.
We‘re thrilled to be working on a Cannes Classics premiere “By Sidney Lumet” by Nancy Buirski. Cinephil will present several films in the market. One is “Invasion”, by Abner Benaim, about the USA’s invasion of Panama.
Another is a film that we just picked up in Tribeca where it made headlines, titled “Among the Believers”, which follows the growth of the Red Mosques in Pakistan. It portrays a system that offers young children free food and accommodation, and, in return, the young adepts are force fed the principles of radical Islam from the moment they can read.
Other films in the Cannes Market include “Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon”, which premiered in Sundance, and “The Yes Men are Revolting”, which will open in the Us this summer.
“Thank You for Playing”, follows a family struggling with a terminally ill boy. Ryan, his Dad, an indie video game developer, is building a poetic, autobiographical video game to document his pain and to tell the story of his baby. It’s sophisticated, touching and timely.
Learn more about Cinephil’s new releases here.
See Cinephil’s full catalogue here.
More About Cinephil:
Cinephil is an international sales and advisory firm, which has a strong reputation for securing international distribution, broadcasting and financing deals for documentaries from all over the world on behalf of film producers and directors.
With a history of selling unique and award-winning films,Cinephil also acts as a strategic advisor and co-producer.
Cinephil has facilitated the sale and financing of well over a hundred films. Cinephil represented (and produced) the 2013 Academy Award nominee, “The Gatekeepers“; the 2014 Academy Award nominee, “The Act of Killing“, executive produced by Werner Herzog and Errol Morris; “Cathedrals of Culture“, a 3D project executive produced by Wim Wenders and including films by Wim Wenders and Robert Redford, and Martin Scorsese’s new documentary, “The 50 Year Argument“, about The New York Review of Books. Managing director, Philippa Kowarsky, has co-produced many films, including 2014 Academy Award nominee, Dror Moreh’s, “The Gatekeepers“, Dror Shaul’s “Sweet Mud”, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and the Crystal Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, “Defamation” by Yoav Shamir, “Watermarks” by Yaron Zilberman and the award-winning “Trembling Before G-d” by Sandi DuBowski.
Philippa Kowarsky is the Managing Director of Cinephil, an international sales company that is renowned for securing financing and distribution for documentaries from all around the world. Kowarsky started Cinephil 18 years ago on the first of January in 1997.
Cinephil has a solid history of working with award winning films including Academy Award nominee, “The Gatekeepers“ (for which Kowarsky was a nominee, with Cinephil as the producer); the 2014 Academy Award nominee, “The Act of Killing, and Dror Shaul’s “Sweet Mud”, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
Kowarsky, the first ever film sales agent of Israel, shares more about her background and the success of Cinephil:
I’ve was doing sales, marketing and production before I started Cinephil. I worked for some studios in Israel, and got into sales because there were no companies dedicated to sales only. I was representing films at the previous company I worked at — when I left, people just kept coming to me, saying “Will you take my film?” I started Cinephil and we got a film into Rotterdam’s mocumentary section. It was the first Cinephil festival. I didn’t even have a proper concept or mission for my company, but I did meet sales agents from around the world, and thought, “Perhaps we could have some sales agents in Israel!” Then it became a bit more formal.
We started doing everything - features, children’s programming, and documentaries -working with Israeli and Palestinian films. Over the years, we decided to drop children’s programming, and then let go of feature films (which I still love). Now Cinephil focuses on documentaries.
About 8 years ago, we decided to go International to represent films to the world, from the world – everywhere. It doesn’t matter where you’re based: Tel Aviv, Paris, Montreal or New York. Everyone is traveling to all the festivals, and everything is done by emails and phone. Thanks to technology, we have a very international career and life, and to make matters better, we also have Heather Wyer working for us out of Montreal. Having a North American base is great!
How did you enter the film industry?
A lot of this happened to me by chance. I received an Ma in London for communication policy studies. At the end of the day, it’s been helpful, because it has given me a deeper understanding of the media world. That’s been a strong part of Cinephil – being able to strategize with all this know-how.
When I started 20 years ago, there was very little international film and television activity in Israel. In the meantime, the Israeli industry has developed, but getting Israeli films into festivals was a big deal back then. Now our cinema is well received everywhere. There are fabulous agencies based in Israel, including our TV channels which selling product around the world.
How is Cinephil expanding?
We do sales and distribution and act as Ep’s on films. We’ve always been into development and raising finance for films, but recently the films we’ve been working with are of a higher profile. One of the highlights is when we came in as producers for “The Gatekeepers”, for which we were nominated for an Academy Award in 2012. In 2013, we were back in Los Angeles with “The Act of Killing”, which was nominated as well. We are proud to work with Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sorensen again on “The Look of Silence”, which premiered in competition in Venice last year and won the Grand Jury Award on top of four other awards. Since then, it has won countless awards worldwide. We’re now working with Martin Scorsese and David Tedeschi on “The 50 Year Argument”.
Please discuss your slate for Cannes.
We‘re thrilled to be working on a Cannes Classics premiere “By Sidney Lumet” by Nancy Buirski. Cinephil will present several films in the market. One is “Invasion”, by Abner Benaim, about the USA’s invasion of Panama.
Another is a film that we just picked up in Tribeca where it made headlines, titled “Among the Believers”, which follows the growth of the Red Mosques in Pakistan. It portrays a system that offers young children free food and accommodation, and, in return, the young adepts are force fed the principles of radical Islam from the moment they can read.
Other films in the Cannes Market include “Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of the National Lampoon”, which premiered in Sundance, and “The Yes Men are Revolting”, which will open in the Us this summer.
“Thank You for Playing”, follows a family struggling with a terminally ill boy. Ryan, his Dad, an indie video game developer, is building a poetic, autobiographical video game to document his pain and to tell the story of his baby. It’s sophisticated, touching and timely.
Learn more about Cinephil’s new releases here.
See Cinephil’s full catalogue here.
More About Cinephil:
Cinephil is an international sales and advisory firm, which has a strong reputation for securing international distribution, broadcasting and financing deals for documentaries from all over the world on behalf of film producers and directors.
With a history of selling unique and award-winning films,Cinephil also acts as a strategic advisor and co-producer.
Cinephil has facilitated the sale and financing of well over a hundred films. Cinephil represented (and produced) the 2013 Academy Award nominee, “The Gatekeepers“; the 2014 Academy Award nominee, “The Act of Killing“, executive produced by Werner Herzog and Errol Morris; “Cathedrals of Culture“, a 3D project executive produced by Wim Wenders and including films by Wim Wenders and Robert Redford, and Martin Scorsese’s new documentary, “The 50 Year Argument“, about The New York Review of Books. Managing director, Philippa Kowarsky, has co-produced many films, including 2014 Academy Award nominee, Dror Moreh’s, “The Gatekeepers“, Dror Shaul’s “Sweet Mud”, which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and the Crystal Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, “Defamation” by Yoav Shamir, “Watermarks” by Yaron Zilberman and the award-winning “Trembling Before G-d” by Sandi DuBowski.
- 5/8/2015
- by Erin Grover
- Sydney's Buzz
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Chai Center's "Cannes Shabbat" will take place during the upcoming Cannes Film Festival and aims to be the largest to date as a sign of protest towards the numerous anti-semitic incidents during the past year.
Here is the full message from Rabbi Mendel Schwartz:
The Anti-Defamation League (Adl) Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, counted a total of 912 anti-Semitic incidents across the U.S. during the 2014 calendar year. This represents a 21 percent increase from the 751 incidents reported during the same period in 2013. "While the overall number of anti-Semitic incidents remains lower than we have seen historically, the fact remains that 2014 was a particularly violent year for Jews both overseas and in the United States," said Abraham H. Foxman, Adl National Director.
"While the overall number of anti-Semitic incidents remains lower than we have seen historically, the fact remains that 2014 was a particularly violent year for Jews both overseas and in the United States," said Abraham H. Foxman, Adl National Director.
In light of the above, I make a special appeal to please forward the flyer below to all your friends going to the festival. The Chai Center would like the 10th annual "Cannes Shabbat" to be the biggest and greatest event of all. No darkness of anti-semitism, especially in Europe, will hamper the efforts of Jewish ppl attending a public Shabbat dinner on the French Riviera. On the contrary, we can only fight this darkness with even greater light.
You can RSVP to the event Here!
Here is the official flyer...
Here is the full message from Rabbi Mendel Schwartz:
The Anti-Defamation League (Adl) Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, counted a total of 912 anti-Semitic incidents across the U.S. during the 2014 calendar year. This represents a 21 percent increase from the 751 incidents reported during the same period in 2013. "While the overall number of anti-Semitic incidents remains lower than we have seen historically, the fact remains that 2014 was a particularly violent year for Jews both overseas and in the United States," said Abraham H. Foxman, Adl National Director.
"While the overall number of anti-Semitic incidents remains lower than we have seen historically, the fact remains that 2014 was a particularly violent year for Jews both overseas and in the United States," said Abraham H. Foxman, Adl National Director.
In light of the above, I make a special appeal to please forward the flyer below to all your friends going to the festival. The Chai Center would like the 10th annual "Cannes Shabbat" to be the biggest and greatest event of all. No darkness of anti-semitism, especially in Europe, will hamper the efforts of Jewish ppl attending a public Shabbat dinner on the French Riviera. On the contrary, we can only fight this darkness with even greater light.
You can RSVP to the event Here!
Here is the official flyer...
- 4/16/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
I come not to praise Trevor Noah nor to bury him.
What's fascinating about the controversy this week surrounding the newly-hired "Daily Show" host isn't whether or not some of his old tweets are funny, whether or not they're offensive, or whether or not they should disqualify him from his new high-profile job. (Short answers: Some are funnier than others, they're offensive and deliberately so, and his bosses don't think they rise to the level of firing offenses, so that's that.)
Rather, it's the speed at which the Internet was ready to coronate him and then destroy him. On Sunday, the 31-year-old was all but unknown. On Monday, he was named the heir apparent to Jon Stewart, and he was suddenly known for his unique backstory as a biracial South African who is part Swiss, part Jewish, and part Xhosa. (He was poised to be the Barack Obama of late night,...
What's fascinating about the controversy this week surrounding the newly-hired "Daily Show" host isn't whether or not some of his old tweets are funny, whether or not they're offensive, or whether or not they should disqualify him from his new high-profile job. (Short answers: Some are funnier than others, they're offensive and deliberately so, and his bosses don't think they rise to the level of firing offenses, so that's that.)
Rather, it's the speed at which the Internet was ready to coronate him and then destroy him. On Sunday, the 31-year-old was all but unknown. On Monday, he was named the heir apparent to Jon Stewart, and he was suddenly known for his unique backstory as a biracial South African who is part Swiss, part Jewish, and part Xhosa. (He was poised to be the Barack Obama of late night,...
- 4/3/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
She always seems to be causing a stir, and Nicki Minaj really struck a nerve with her lyric video for “Only.”
The “Super Bass” rapper utilizes some symbols reminiscent of the Nazi regime in Germany in the clip, including red arm bands and a dictator standing in front of soldiers.
Furthermore, Minaj’s depiction of Lil Wayne as a businessman, Drake as a priest and Chris Brown as a soldier is eerily similar to propaganda films by Leni Riefenstahl from that time period.
And following outcry from the Anti-Defamation League’s national director Abraham H. Foxman (a Holocaust survivor), Nicki released the following statement: “The artist who made the lyric video for ‘Only’ was influenced by a cartoon on Cartoon Network called ‘Metalocalypse’ & Sin City. Both the producer, & person in charge of overseeing the lyric video (one of my best friends & videographer: A. Loucas), happen to be Jewish. I...
The “Super Bass” rapper utilizes some symbols reminiscent of the Nazi regime in Germany in the clip, including red arm bands and a dictator standing in front of soldiers.
Furthermore, Minaj’s depiction of Lil Wayne as a businessman, Drake as a priest and Chris Brown as a soldier is eerily similar to propaganda films by Leni Riefenstahl from that time period.
And following outcry from the Anti-Defamation League’s national director Abraham H. Foxman (a Holocaust survivor), Nicki released the following statement: “The artist who made the lyric video for ‘Only’ was influenced by a cartoon on Cartoon Network called ‘Metalocalypse’ & Sin City. Both the producer, & person in charge of overseeing the lyric video (one of my best friends & videographer: A. Loucas), happen to be Jewish. I...
- 11/11/2014
- GossipCenter
Since Nicki Minaj's lyric video for "Only" dropped Saturday, plenty of people have been outraged due to what they see as blatant Nazi imagery in the five-minute video. On Tuesday, the rapper took to Twitter to finally address all the uproar.
In a move uncharacteristic for the outspoken Nicki, she apologized if the video "offended anyone," yet she also claims she didn't "come up with the concept."
"The artist who made the lyric video for 'Only' was influenced by a cartoon on Cartoon Network called 'Metalocalypse' & Sin City," she tweeted. "Both the producer, & person in charge of over seeing the lyric video (one of my best friends & videographer: A. Loucas), happen to be Jewish."
Photos: A History of Nicki Minaj's Terrifyingly Hideous Perfume Bottles
"I didn't come up w/the concept, but I'm very sorry & take full responsibility if it has offended anyone," she added. "I'd never condone Nazism in my art."
The artist...
In a move uncharacteristic for the outspoken Nicki, she apologized if the video "offended anyone," yet she also claims she didn't "come up with the concept."
"The artist who made the lyric video for 'Only' was influenced by a cartoon on Cartoon Network called 'Metalocalypse' & Sin City," she tweeted. "Both the producer, & person in charge of over seeing the lyric video (one of my best friends & videographer: A. Loucas), happen to be Jewish."
Photos: A History of Nicki Minaj's Terrifyingly Hideous Perfume Bottles
"I didn't come up w/the concept, but I'm very sorry & take full responsibility if it has offended anyone," she added. "I'd never condone Nazism in my art."
The artist...
- 11/11/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
Nicki Minaj isn't gaining any new fans from her latest music video. The Anti Defamation League is “deeply disturbed by the unadulterated Nazi imagery” featured in the lyric music video (above) for single “Only.” See photo: Nicki Minaj Busts Out, Risks Catholic Backlash in 'Only' Cover Art The animated video for the song featuring Drake, Lil Wayne and Chris Brown, sets up Minaj as the leader of an army that looks a lot like Adolf Hitler's Nazis, except the initials of her Young Money record label stand in for a swastika. The Adl's national director Abraham H. Foxman, who is also a Holocaust.
- 11/10/2014
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
Nicki Minaj has come under fire after releasing a new lyric video for “Only” that appears heavily inspired by Nazi imagery.
Nicki Minaj "Only" Lyric Video
The animated lyric video was directed by Jeff Osborne and features animated dictator Minaj alongside featured artists Drake as the Pope, Chris Brown as a war general and Lil Wayne as a CEO type. The video jumps between characters as the lyrics flash across the screen.
"Only" lyric video
As soon as it was released, “Only” attracted criticism for its usage of Nazi imagery. In the video, dictator Minaj watches on as her mass army stands still in front of her, wearing bright red armbands with the Young Money Entertainment emblem that heavily resembles a swastika.
The imagery angered many fans, with some even calling for Minaj to take the video off YouTube.
hey @Nickiminaj thanks for the blatant nazi imagery in your new video!
Nicki Minaj "Only" Lyric Video
The animated lyric video was directed by Jeff Osborne and features animated dictator Minaj alongside featured artists Drake as the Pope, Chris Brown as a war general and Lil Wayne as a CEO type. The video jumps between characters as the lyrics flash across the screen.
"Only" lyric video
As soon as it was released, “Only” attracted criticism for its usage of Nazi imagery. In the video, dictator Minaj watches on as her mass army stands still in front of her, wearing bright red armbands with the Young Money Entertainment emblem that heavily resembles a swastika.
The imagery angered many fans, with some even calling for Minaj to take the video off YouTube.
hey @Nickiminaj thanks for the blatant nazi imagery in your new video!
- 11/10/2014
- Uinterview
Chelsea Handler has come under fire after staging a Hitler parody on her E! late night talk show Chelsea Lately.
Chelsea Handler's Hitler Parody
Germany’s World Cup victory Sunday has given comedians the chance to use the country’s checkered past – namely during the Holocaust – for joke material. Handler, known for toeing the line on what is or isn’t appropriate, was no exception. For her bit, the comedian had her trusty sidekick Chuy Brava dress up like Adolf Hitler.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Abraham Foxman may have let the parody slide, but felt that Handler allowed herself and her comic cohorts to take the gag too far. At one point, one of Handler’s fellow comedians quipped, “I'm a Jew, but I'm still glad Germany won. It's nice for them to have something gold that they didn't pry out of my grandfather's mouth."
In his statement,...
Chelsea Handler's Hitler Parody
Germany’s World Cup victory Sunday has given comedians the chance to use the country’s checkered past – namely during the Holocaust – for joke material. Handler, known for toeing the line on what is or isn’t appropriate, was no exception. For her bit, the comedian had her trusty sidekick Chuy Brava dress up like Adolf Hitler.
The Anti-Defamation League’s Abraham Foxman may have let the parody slide, but felt that Handler allowed herself and her comic cohorts to take the gag too far. At one point, one of Handler’s fellow comedians quipped, “I'm a Jew, but I'm still glad Germany won. It's nice for them to have something gold that they didn't pry out of my grandfather's mouth."
In his statement,...
- 7/19/2014
- Uinterview
Chelsea Handler’s Adolf Hitler parody on her E! Channel show Chelsea Lately this week has been labled “tasteless, offensive and hurtful to Holocaust survivors” by the Anti-Defamation League. “While we try to give comedians leeway and do not believe that Nazi jokes should be completely off limits,” said Abraham Foxman, Adl national director and a Holocaust survivor, “this was an instance of taking a Hitler parody to the extreme. It was tasteless, offensive and hurtful, both to Holocaust survivors and their families and to members of the German team and all Germans.” Handler’s sidekick Chuy Bravo appeared on the
read more...
read more...
- 7/16/2014
- by Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gary Oldman's apology tour continued Wednesday night on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where the actor called himself "an a-hole" for a slew of insensitive comments he made during an outlandish interview with Playboy.
Watch Gary Oldman in David Bowie's Video for 'The Next Day'
"Once I saw it in print, I saw that it was insensitive, pernicious and ill-informed," Oldman said in the interview, below. "I am a public figure, I should be an example and inspiration, and I am an a-hole. I am 56. I should know better. I...
Watch Gary Oldman in David Bowie's Video for 'The Next Day'
"Once I saw it in print, I saw that it was insensitive, pernicious and ill-informed," Oldman said in the interview, below. "I am a public figure, I should be an example and inspiration, and I am an a-hole. I am 56. I should know better. I...
- 6/26/2014
- Rollingstone.com
'The Dark Knight' actor released an apology to the Anti-Defamation League, and also apologized on 'Kimmel.'
After a controversial interview with Playboy magazine, Gary Oldman not only released an apology to the Anti-Defamation League for his comments on Wednesday, he also spoke about it on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
"I am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy interview were offensive to many Jewish people," Oldman wrote in his apology to the Adl and the Simon Weisenthal Center.
Related: Gary Oldman Defends Mel Gibson, Alec Baldwin: 'Take a F*cking Joke'
In the article, which Oldman gave to promote his new film Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, the 56-year-old Oscar-nominee made a number of comments that have come under fire for being disparaging to the Jewish community.
Goldman had defended actors Mel Gibson and Alec Baldwin for their infamous outbursts, saying that people...
After a controversial interview with Playboy magazine, Gary Oldman not only released an apology to the Anti-Defamation League for his comments on Wednesday, he also spoke about it on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
"I am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy interview were offensive to many Jewish people," Oldman wrote in his apology to the Adl and the Simon Weisenthal Center.
Related: Gary Oldman Defends Mel Gibson, Alec Baldwin: 'Take a F*cking Joke'
In the article, which Oldman gave to promote his new film Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, the 56-year-old Oscar-nominee made a number of comments that have come under fire for being disparaging to the Jewish community.
Goldman had defended actors Mel Gibson and Alec Baldwin for their infamous outbursts, saying that people...
- 6/26/2014
- Entertainment Tonight
I took the photograph that leads this column a little over a year ago, when my summer vacation was turned upside down by a revolution called Taksim Square. It sits near my desk and caught my eye when I was thinking today about the force of nature that is Abraham Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League, someone I deeply admire even though he hasn’t always been a friend of open discourse. He managed to stir the pot on both sides of the continent in recent days. My wife and I had come to Istanbul for R&R after a trip she takes […]...
- 6/26/2014
- Deadline
Update: Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League (Adl), has declared Gary Oldman's "apology" insufficient saying, "We have just begun a conversation with his managing producer. At this point, we are not satisfied with what we have received. His apology is insufficient and not satisfactory." Original post follows... Gary Oldman has issued an apology for his comments in a recent "Playboy" interview he gave while on his Dawn of the Planet of the Apes PR tour. Comments, of which, made waves all over the Internet yesterday. The apology is aimed directly at the Anti-Defamation League (Adl) who came out yesterday afternoon saying Oldman "should know better than to repeat tired anti-Semitic tropes about Jewish control of Hollywood." The chief comment, I assume, that got him into the most trouble in this instance was in his defense of Mel Gibson when he said, "Mel Gibson is...
- 6/25/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Gary Oldman has said he is “deeply remorseful” for controversial comments in a recent Playboy interview that were deemed offensive by the Anti-Defamation League, but the Jewish rights organization isn't buying it. “We have just began a conversation with his managing producer. At this point, we are not satisfied with what we received,” Abraham H. Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, said in a statement to TheWrap. “His apology is insufficient and not satisfactory.” Also read: Gary Oldman Denounced by Anti-Defamation League for Defending Mel Gibson in Playboy The “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes...
- 6/25/2014
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
Update: The Hollywood Reporter obtained a statement from Adl national director Abraham Foxman, who said, "We have just began a conversation with his managing producer. At this point, we are not satisfied with what we received. His apology is insufficient and not satisfactory."
Gary Oldman has issued his inevitable apology for (some of) the controversial statements he made in a candid Playboy interview posted on Tuesday. In a statement obtained by Deadline, the actor reaches out to the Anti-Defamation League, expressing remorse for perpetuating stereotypes about Jews in Hollywood.
Gary Oldman has issued his inevitable apology for (some of) the controversial statements he made in a candid Playboy interview posted on Tuesday. In a statement obtained by Deadline, the actor reaches out to the Anti-Defamation League, expressing remorse for perpetuating stereotypes about Jews in Hollywood.
- 6/25/2014
- Rollingstone.com
And so the inevitable cycle of insult and apology continues: Gary Oldman has released a statement to the Anti-Defamation League addressing the controversial remarks he made in a Playboy interview released yesterday. Earlier today, Adl National Director Abraham Foxman criticized Oldman's comments, saying that they propagate anti-Semitic beliefs and the actor “should know better than to repeat tired anti-Semitic tropes about Jewish control of Hollywood.” Soon after, Oldman issued an apology, saying "Upon reading my comments in print — I see how insensitive they may be, and how they may indeed contribute to the furtherance of a false stereotype."Here's the full statement: Dear Gentlemen of the Adl:i am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy Interview were offensive to many Jewish people. Upon reading my comments in print — I see how insensitive they may be, and how they may indeed contribute to the furtherance of a...
- 6/25/2014
- by Anna Silman
- Vulture
Gary Oldman has apologised for offending the Jewish community in a controversial interview with Playboy, saying he has an "enormous personal affinity for the Jewish people".
The actor, who gave the interview to promote Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, was accused by the Anti-Defamation League of spreading anti-Semitic stereotypes.
Oldman appeared to defend Mel Gibson in the article and suggested that Gibson was unfairly punished for making anti-Semitic remarks as he lived in "a town that's run by Jews".
8 most explosive comments from Gary Oldman's Playboy interview
Oldman has now released an apology to the Anti-Defamation League and the Simon Weisenthal Centre:
"Dear Gentlemen of the Adl:
"I am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy Interview were offensive to many Jewish people. Upon reading my comments in print - I see how insensitive they may be, and how they may indeed...
The actor, who gave the interview to promote Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, was accused by the Anti-Defamation League of spreading anti-Semitic stereotypes.
Oldman appeared to defend Mel Gibson in the article and suggested that Gibson was unfairly punished for making anti-Semitic remarks as he lived in "a town that's run by Jews".
8 most explosive comments from Gary Oldman's Playboy interview
Oldman has now released an apology to the Anti-Defamation League and the Simon Weisenthal Centre:
"Dear Gentlemen of the Adl:
"I am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy Interview were offensive to many Jewish people. Upon reading my comments in print - I see how insensitive they may be, and how they may indeed...
- 6/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Gary Oldman defended the prejudicial comments of Mel Gibson and Alec Baldwin in his Playboy interview, and now the Anti-Defamation League is slamming him with a strongly-worded condemnation. “Gary Oldman‘s remarks irresponsibly feed into a classic anti-Semitic canard about supposed Jewish control of Hollywood and the film industry,” said Abraham H. Foxman, Adl National Director, in a statement. Also read: Mel Gibson's Arresting Officer Responds to Gary Oldman's Assertion That He Has Used Racial and Jewish Slurs “He should know better than to repeat and give credence to tired anti-Semitic tropes. Mel Gibson‘s ostracization in...
- 6/24/2014
- by Travis Reilly
- The Wrap
The Anti-Defamation League has issued a strong rebuke of Gary Oldman's recent Playboy magazine interview, during which the Dawn of the Planet of the Apes actor said that Hollywood is "run by Jews" and defended Mel Gibson's anti-Semitic tirade. Photos Stars Behaving Badly: From Justin Bieber to Reese Witherspoon, Hollywood's Recent Mugshots "Mel Gibson is in a town that’s run by Jews," Oldman said in the interview, "and he said the wrong thing because he’s actually bitten the hand that I guess has fed him." Adl director Abraham H. Foxman released a statement on Tuesday saying that Oldman "should know better
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- 6/24/2014
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The bible saga “Son of God” will be “the antidote to the poison that ‘Passion of the Christ’ became,” Anti-Defamation League National Director Abraham Foxman told TheWrap Tuesday. “It’s almost a disservice to ‘Son of God’ to compare the two,” he said. Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s pared-down version of the History channel miniseries “The Bible” opens nationwide Friday on roughly 3,000 screens Friday. It’s been 10 years to the day since “Passion of the Christ” debuted, and it’s still the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever. But it’s remembered as much for the charges of anti-Semitism, excessive violence and prerelease controversy as.
- 2/25/2014
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
Tony Parker apologized Monday for a Twitter photo in which he made the ‘quenelle’ gesture, which is often associated with an anti-Semitic message.
Tony Parker Apologizes For ‘Quenelle’ Gesture
On Saturday a three-year-old photo of Parker making the quenelle was posted on Twitter. The quenelle gesture was popularized by Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, a prosecuted anti-Semite and French comedian.
Quenelle de Tony Parker ! #Dieudonné #Anelka pic.twitter.com/U8hkaVOm0U” a ouais il est fière celui la en plus”...
Tony Parker Apologizes For ‘Quenelle’ Gesture
On Saturday a three-year-old photo of Parker making the quenelle was posted on Twitter. The quenelle gesture was popularized by Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, a prosecuted anti-Semite and French comedian.
Quenelle de Tony Parker ! #Dieudonné #Anelka pic.twitter.com/U8hkaVOm0U” a ouais il est fière celui la en plus”...
- 12/31/2013
- Uinterview
Kanye West is addressing anti-Semitic accusations following controversial comments he made in a recent radio interview. Last month, Kim Kardashian's other half said during an interview with Power 105 while talking about President Barack Obama, "Black people don't have the same level of connections as Jewish people. Black people don't have the same connection as oil people." After the interview, Anti-Defamation League Director Abraham H. Foxman called out West, saying, "This is classic anti-Semitism. There it goes again, the age-old canard that Jews are all-powerful and control the levers of power in government. As a celebrity with a wide following, Kanye West should know...
- 12/20/2013
- E! Online
A Saudi-owned satellite TV network has an attention-getting new pitchman: the most despised person of the 20th century. Dubai-based Mbc Action is running clips from the 2009 film Inglourious Basterds that feature Adolf Hitler ranting to some Nazi officers. Arabic subtitles reveal that the Führer isn’t discussing battle plans or Mein Kampf but rather the network’s fall movie lineup. “Look at the achievements of Mbc Action,” the Quentin Tarantino-created version of Hitler says. “They will control the entire region. They are preparing for a campaign called ‘September to Remember.’” In a way, The concept is a ripoff of a ripoff: It recalls the popular meme where folks slapped humorous new subtitles over the Hitler meltdown scene from the 2004 film Downfall starring Bruno Ganz. Regardless, the Anti-Defamation League doesn’t exactly consider the Mbc Action ads Must-See TV. “This offensive and outrageous campaign trivializes the Holocaust by turning...
- 9/22/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
You have to hand it to Harvey Weinstein: The mogul who once got the Anti-Defamation League's Abe Foxman to provide a blurb hailing the wafer-thin "Chocolat" as a moving treatise on discrimination has now convinced master Chinese filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai to write -- or at least sign -- an online op-ed in which the director gushes about the wonderful opportunity of creating a shorter edit of "The Grandmaster" for U.S. audiences. Lest anyone try to pin the blame on "Harvey Scissorhands," Wong's editorial claims that the 108-minute version we're getting Stateside...
- 8/23/2013
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Teen heartthrob Justin Bieber sparked international outrage this weekend when it was discovered that upon visiting the Anne Frank House on Friday, he left a baffling and tasteless note behind.
"Truly inspiring to be able to come here. Anne was a great girl," wrote the 19-year-old. "Hopefully she would have been a belieber."
While responses worldwide seem to be overwhelmingly against Bieber, the singer received support this morning from an unexpected place: the Anne Frank House itself, the Amsterdam museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the young Holocaust victim and diarist.
"We think that what's special is that a 19-year-old comes to the Anne Frank House and spends an hour visiting on a Friday night," museum spokeswoman Maatje Mostart told Afp.
"He could be doing other things in Amsterdam, he was very interested," said Mostart. "That's more important than the commotion that we're now seeing. That's the positive side...
"Truly inspiring to be able to come here. Anne was a great girl," wrote the 19-year-old. "Hopefully she would have been a belieber."
While responses worldwide seem to be overwhelmingly against Bieber, the singer received support this morning from an unexpected place: the Anne Frank House itself, the Amsterdam museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the young Holocaust victim and diarist.
"We think that what's special is that a 19-year-old comes to the Anne Frank House and spends an hour visiting on a Friday night," museum spokeswoman Maatje Mostart told Afp.
"He could be doing other things in Amsterdam, he was very interested," said Mostart. "That's more important than the commotion that we're now seeing. That's the positive side...
- 4/15/2013
- by Liat Kornowski
- Huffington Post
The brouhaha surrounding John Galliano's anti-Semitism scandal might have mostly blown over stateside, but in Israel the designer's name is still on everyone's lips.
Haaretz reports that the Israel Broadcasting Authority (Iba) has barred Moran Mazor, Israel's representative in Eurovision 2013, from wearing John Galliano while performing at the international singing competition. As both the broadcaster of Eurovision in Israel and Mazor's sponsor, Iba stated that it would not endorse Galliano by allowing his designs to appear on air.
In a formal statement, the Iba's Yoav Ginai explained:
"In a period of rampant racism and anti-Semitism in Europe, [he] is denied the right to dress or join as an Israeli representative to Eurovision, even if he has 'apologized.'"
He added that the Iba that Mazor will not be wearing any clothes designed by Galliano for the duration of her time representing Israel at Eurovision this coming May in Sweden.
This past Wednesday,...
Haaretz reports that the Israel Broadcasting Authority (Iba) has barred Moran Mazor, Israel's representative in Eurovision 2013, from wearing John Galliano while performing at the international singing competition. As both the broadcaster of Eurovision in Israel and Mazor's sponsor, Iba stated that it would not endorse Galliano by allowing his designs to appear on air.
In a formal statement, the Iba's Yoav Ginai explained:
"In a period of rampant racism and anti-Semitism in Europe, [he] is denied the right to dress or join as an Israeli representative to Eurovision, even if he has 'apologized.'"
He added that the Iba that Mazor will not be wearing any clothes designed by Galliano for the duration of her time representing Israel at Eurovision this coming May in Sweden.
This past Wednesday,...
- 4/12/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Each time you think Joan Rivers has reached her limit, she crosses the line once more.
Rivers has come under fire for a "vulgar and offensive" Holocaust joke she made about how German supermodel Heidi Klum looked in her dress at Elton John's Oscars party.
On Monday's episode of E!'s "Fashion Police," Rivers and her co-hosts were discussing Oscars fashion when they brought up the 39-year-old former Victoria's Secret model. Klum's cleavage-baring, curve-hugging Oscars gown turned lots of heads on Sunday night and Rivers took note.
“The last time a German looked this hot was when they were pushing Jews into the ovens,” Rivers, a Brooklyn-born child of Russian Jewish immigrant, quipped during her show, according to the New York Daily News.
Heidi Klum poses at Elton John's Oscars party. Story continues below.
The Anti-Defamation League then chastised the comedian for her comment. Adl director and...
Rivers has come under fire for a "vulgar and offensive" Holocaust joke she made about how German supermodel Heidi Klum looked in her dress at Elton John's Oscars party.
On Monday's episode of E!'s "Fashion Police," Rivers and her co-hosts were discussing Oscars fashion when they brought up the 39-year-old former Victoria's Secret model. Klum's cleavage-baring, curve-hugging Oscars gown turned lots of heads on Sunday night and Rivers took note.
“The last time a German looked this hot was when they were pushing Jews into the ovens,” Rivers, a Brooklyn-born child of Russian Jewish immigrant, quipped during her show, according to the New York Daily News.
Heidi Klum poses at Elton John's Oscars party. Story continues below.
The Anti-Defamation League then chastised the comedian for her comment. Adl director and...
- 2/28/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Up to 40m people watched telecast of ceremony in the Us, in spite of widespread criticism of MacFarlane's off-colour humour
As awards ceremonies go, it seemed to be the show with something to upset everyone, but Seth MacFarlane's stint as host nevertheless garnered the Oscars its best ratings in three years. A total of 40.3 million people watched in the Us, providing a fillip for producers struggling to halt a slow but steady decline in viewers since 57.25 million tuned in to watch Titanic win 11 gongs in 1998.
MacFarlane's jokes about female nudity, domestic violence and Jews in Hollywood have led to vilification from commentators, but his "edgy" approach saw a 20% boost among viewers aged 18 to 34 and a dramatic 34% hike in male viewers in the same age range. Men aged 18 to 49 were up 18% for a show that has traditionally been more popular with women viewers.
Overseas, it is estimated that up to...
As awards ceremonies go, it seemed to be the show with something to upset everyone, but Seth MacFarlane's stint as host nevertheless garnered the Oscars its best ratings in three years. A total of 40.3 million people watched in the Us, providing a fillip for producers struggling to halt a slow but steady decline in viewers since 57.25 million tuned in to watch Titanic win 11 gongs in 1998.
MacFarlane's jokes about female nudity, domestic violence and Jews in Hollywood have led to vilification from commentators, but his "edgy" approach saw a 20% boost among viewers aged 18 to 34 and a dramatic 34% hike in male viewers in the same age range. Men aged 18 to 49 were up 18% for a show that has traditionally been more popular with women viewers.
Overseas, it is estimated that up to...
- 2/26/2013
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
And the next group to fire outrage at Seth MacFarlane's Oscars performance is … the Anti-Defamation League. The Jewish group, led by longtime chief Abraham Foxman, issued a statement Monday slamming MacFarlane and the Academy for a segment of the show that it said perpetuated anti-Semitic stereotypes. The moment featured Mark Wahlberg and Ted -- the foul mouthed, digital stuffed bear that was the center of the summer's mega-hit comedy, Ted -- present the awards for best sound mixing and best sound editing. Photos: The 12 Best and Worst Moments From the 2013 Oscars During the segment, Ted (voiced
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- 2/25/2013
- by Jordan Zakarin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lawrence O'Donnell, host of MSNBC's The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, devoted his "Rewrite" segment Thursday night to the second part of the National Rifle Association's "enemies list," which features individuals and organizations that the NRA finds inimical to its cause. While the beginning of O'Donnell's commentary focused on the absurd mix of innocuous organizations on the list, including the National Association of Elementary School Principals, his critique narrowed to the NRA's inclusion of Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, and Adl National Director Abe Foxman's outrage at Saturday Night Live.
- 2/14/2013
- by Tommy Christopher
- Mediaite - TV
Anti-Defamation League National Director Abraham Foxman slammed the news media for reporting false claims this week that Jewish donors and filmmakers were responsible for an anti-Muslim film that has been tied to violent protests in Egypt and Libya. "I'm for 100 percent free speech, but [the press] must protect that great freedom responsibly," Foxman told TheWrap. "They've helped distribute a great libel, so the question is: What are they going to do to fix it?" In the aftermath of the erroneous reporting, the Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press have both...
- 9/14/2012
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Most acts of religiously motivated violence pit one faith against the other, but the uproar across the Middle East over clips of an anti-Islam, American-produced film has managed to draw several faiths into the fray, presenting a unique set of circumstances.
Reports have linked people from three major religions, Islam, Judaism and Christianity with the film, and members of each say they fear repercussions against their own people and their relationships to other religions groups.
There have been more than a dozen deaths of Americans and Middle Eastern nationals during protests; the most high-profile victim was U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens, though U.S. officials have said the attack on the Benghazi consulate where he and other Americans were killed may have been planned. Protesters in front of Yemen's U.S. Embassy died in clashes with police Thursday, while in Cairo demonstrators jumped over the wall of the U.
Reports have linked people from three major religions, Islam, Judaism and Christianity with the film, and members of each say they fear repercussions against their own people and their relationships to other religions groups.
There have been more than a dozen deaths of Americans and Middle Eastern nationals during protests; the most high-profile victim was U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens, though U.S. officials have said the attack on the Benghazi consulate where he and other Americans were killed may have been planned. Protesters in front of Yemen's U.S. Embassy died in clashes with police Thursday, while in Cairo demonstrators jumped over the wall of the U.
- 9/14/2012
- by Jaweed Kaleem
- Huffington Post
Richard Belzer's Nazi salute explanation isn't flying with a powerful Jewish group ... which claims the "Law & Order" star's actions were inappropriate, offensive and "not the least bit funny."TMZ broke the story ... Belzer threw up the salute during a TV festival in Monte Carlo yesterday ... but insisted the gesture was not delivered in a "negative" way.Belzer -- who described himself as a "Jewish comedian" -- said he was merely paying homage to the...
- 6/13/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The Anti-Defamation League and Mel Gibson have such a long history of trading press releases, at this point the Adl must have a special Gibson Division. With his latest PR implosion – screenwriter Joe Eszterhas’ nine-page accusatory letter reviving discussions of Gibson’s bigotry, as well as detailing the breakdown of their joint Maccabees project — the organization decided to respond.
“Had these allegations been made against any other actor, we would be skeptical, and certainly one could chalk them up to the words of a disgruntled screenwriter whose script was rejected. But with Mel Gibson, they follow a distinct pattern of anti-Semitic conduct…...
“Had these allegations been made against any other actor, we would be skeptical, and certainly one could chalk them up to the words of a disgruntled screenwriter whose script was rejected. But with Mel Gibson, they follow a distinct pattern of anti-Semitic conduct…...
- 4/12/2012
- by Keith Staskiewicz
- EW - Inside Movies
Anti-Defamation League National Director Abraham Foxman and other Jewish leaders slammed Mel Gibson this week after screenwriter Joe Eszterhas accused his film former collaborator of “hating Jews” and repeatedly making anti-Semitic remarks. In a nine-page letter obtained by TheWrap, Eszterhas says Gibson repeatedly referred to Jews as "Hebes," "oven-dodgers" and "Jewboys" and described the Holocaust as "mostly a lot of horseshit." Also read: Joe Eszterhas Explodes at Mel Gibson: 'You Hate Jews' (Exclusive) The two men had been working together on a movie about Jewish hero Judah Maccabee, whose victory over Greek and Syrian armies...
- 4/12/2012
- by Brent Lang
- The Wrap
Catch up with the last seven days in the world of film
The big story
Hollywood screenwriter Joe Eszterhas has accused Mel Gibson of anti-semitism after the actor and director, along with studio Warner Brothers, rejected his script about a famous Jewish military victory. In a letter published by American film blog The Wrap, Eszterhaus alleged that Gibson has used anti-semitic slurs around him on numerous occasions and has acted aggressively towards the screenwriter and his family.
"I've come to the conclusion that the reason you won't make 'The Maccabees' is the ugliest possible one. You hate Jews," said Eszterhaus, best known in Hollywood for writing Basic Instinct. He also said that Gibson only planned to make the film, which would track the 167Bc revolt of the Judean state against the Seleucid empire, to deflect "continuing charges of anti-Semitism which have dogged you, charges which have crippled your career".
Gibson...
The big story
Hollywood screenwriter Joe Eszterhas has accused Mel Gibson of anti-semitism after the actor and director, along with studio Warner Brothers, rejected his script about a famous Jewish military victory. In a letter published by American film blog The Wrap, Eszterhaus alleged that Gibson has used anti-semitic slurs around him on numerous occasions and has acted aggressively towards the screenwriter and his family.
"I've come to the conclusion that the reason you won't make 'The Maccabees' is the ugliest possible one. You hate Jews," said Eszterhaus, best known in Hollywood for writing Basic Instinct. He also said that Gibson only planned to make the film, which would track the 167Bc revolt of the Judean state against the Seleucid empire, to deflect "continuing charges of anti-Semitism which have dogged you, charges which have crippled your career".
Gibson...
- 4/12/2012
- The Guardian - Film News
New Delhi, Nov 24: The title of Zee TV's new show 'Hitler Didi' has upset the Us-based Anti-Defamation League (Adl), which wants the channel to give it a less offensive title.
'The name Hitler doesn't belong in the title of a soap opera, and we think the producers of this program have made a terrible error in judgment that can only be remedied with a title change,' Abraham H. Foxman, Adl National Director and a Holocaust survivor, said in a statement published on the League's website.
'Hitler was an anti-Semite, fascist dictator and mass murderer responsible for the annihilation of European Jewry. That millions of soap.
'The name Hitler doesn't belong in the title of a soap opera, and we think the producers of this program have made a terrible error in judgment that can only be remedied with a title change,' Abraham H. Foxman, Adl National Director and a Holocaust survivor, said in a statement published on the League's website.
'Hitler was an anti-Semite, fascist dictator and mass murderer responsible for the annihilation of European Jewry. That millions of soap.
- 11/24/2011
- by Diksha Singh
- RealBollywood.com
The title of Zee TV.s new show .Hitler Didi. has upset the Us-based Anti-Defamation League (Adl), which wants the channel to give it a less offensive title..The name Hitler doesn.t belong in the title of a soap opera, and we think the producers of this program have made a terrible error in judgment that can only be remedied with a title change,. Abraham H. Foxman, Adl National Director and a Holocaust survivor, said in a statement published on the League.s website..Hitler was an anti-Semite, fascist dictator and mass murderer responsible for the annihilation of European Jewry. That millions of soap opera fans in India are now hearing and talking about a program with the name .Hitler. on a daily basis is shocking. This is a terrible trivialization of a name freighted with the taint of the Nazi Holocaust,. he added.The show has Rati...
- 11/24/2011
- Filmicafe
Hindu leaders have thrown their support behind outraged Catholics and taken aim at actress Susan Sarandon for remarks she made about the Pope.
Sarandon branded His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI a "Nazi" during a film festival interview in New York state at the weekend, prompting an angry response from officials at America's Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights.
And now the Hindus have joined the chorus of disapproval - suggesting the outspoken actress should apologise for defaming a religious leader.
U.S. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed tells WENN, "The comment was unnecessary, unacceptable and uncalled for.
"As a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, Sarandon should be spreading love and not making hateful comments about the biggest religious leader of the world.
"The Pope is reportedly organising a religious peace summit in Assisi on October 27, inviting leaders of other Christian denominations, various world religions and some figures from the world of culture and science to walk along the path of dialogue and fraternity. Sarandon should be commending the Pope for this peace summit."
Meanwhile, campaigners from the Anti-Defamation League (Adl) are also piling the pressure on Sarandon to apologise for her off-hand remark.
A statement from Adl National Director Abraham H. Foxman reads, "We hope that Susan Sarandon will have the good sense to apologise to the Catholic community and all those she may have offended with this disturbing, deeply offensive and completely uncalled for attack on the good name of Pope Benedict XVI.
"Ms. Sarandon may have her differences with the Catholic Church, but that is no excuse for throwing around Nazi analogies. Such words are hateful, vindictive and only serve to diminish the true history and meaning of the Holocaust."...
Sarandon branded His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI a "Nazi" during a film festival interview in New York state at the weekend, prompting an angry response from officials at America's Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights.
And now the Hindus have joined the chorus of disapproval - suggesting the outspoken actress should apologise for defaming a religious leader.
U.S. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed tells WENN, "The comment was unnecessary, unacceptable and uncalled for.
"As a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, Sarandon should be spreading love and not making hateful comments about the biggest religious leader of the world.
"The Pope is reportedly organising a religious peace summit in Assisi on October 27, inviting leaders of other Christian denominations, various world religions and some figures from the world of culture and science to walk along the path of dialogue and fraternity. Sarandon should be commending the Pope for this peace summit."
Meanwhile, campaigners from the Anti-Defamation League (Adl) are also piling the pressure on Sarandon to apologise for her off-hand remark.
A statement from Adl National Director Abraham H. Foxman reads, "We hope that Susan Sarandon will have the good sense to apologise to the Catholic community and all those she may have offended with this disturbing, deeply offensive and completely uncalled for attack on the good name of Pope Benedict XVI.
"Ms. Sarandon may have her differences with the Catholic Church, but that is no excuse for throwing around Nazi analogies. Such words are hateful, vindictive and only serve to diminish the true history and meaning of the Holocaust."...
- 10/18/2011
- WENN
Just as I said yesterday, the developments surrounding the Mel Gibson-produced “Judah Maccabee” film would be interesting. Already, there is a backlash. According to The Hollywood Reporter, several Jewish leaders are angry at Warner Bros. and Mel Gibson for making the film about the Jewish leader who led an uprising against Greek-Syrian armies in the second century B.C. “Judah Maccabee deserves better,” said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti Defamation League, to The Hollywood Reporter. “He is a hero of the Jewish people and a universal hero in the struggle for religious liberty. It would be a travesty to have his story told by one who has no respect...
- 9/10/2011
- by monique
- ShockYa
The news that Mel Gibson and screenwriter Joe Eszterhas are teaming up to develop a movie about Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee has drawn protest from a Jewish activist group.
The Anti-Defamation League issued a statement Friday (Sept. 9) protesting Gibson's involvement, saying he "has no respect and sensitivity for other people's religious views."
The Adl points to Gibson's "outward antagonism" toward Jews -- he made anti-Semitic comments following a 2006 DUI arrest -- and says his 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" was "marred" by stereotypical depictions of Jews.
Eszterhas is writing a screenplay based on the life of Judah Maccabee, who is most renowned for driving the Seleucid empire from Jerusalem and reconsecrating the Temple of Jerusalem -- the basis for the celebration of Hanukkah today. Gibson will produce the film and may work on the script with Eszterhas, and he also has the first option to direct the film,...
The Anti-Defamation League issued a statement Friday (Sept. 9) protesting Gibson's involvement, saying he "has no respect and sensitivity for other people's religious views."
The Adl points to Gibson's "outward antagonism" toward Jews -- he made anti-Semitic comments following a 2006 DUI arrest -- and says his 2004 movie "The Passion of the Christ" was "marred" by stereotypical depictions of Jews.
Eszterhas is writing a screenplay based on the life of Judah Maccabee, who is most renowned for driving the Seleucid empire from Jerusalem and reconsecrating the Temple of Jerusalem -- the basis for the celebration of Hanukkah today. Gibson will produce the film and may work on the script with Eszterhas, and he also has the first option to direct the film,...
- 9/9/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
In a shocking development this week, Warner Bros is backing an untitled feature about Jewish icon Judah Maccabee that will involve controversial actor Mel Gibson. And, if that isn’t enough crazy for you, the script will be written by Basic Instinct and Showgirls screenwriter Joe Eszterhas.
According to Deadline, Gibson will “collaborate” on the script, produce the film through his Icon Productions company, and possibly direct. If he does get behind the camera, it will be his first time directing since 2006’s Apocalypto. But his provocative 2004 film The Passion of the Christ is getting the most attention now, due to its unfavorable depiction of Jews in the brutal retelling of Jesus’ crucifixion. Gibson has been blasted for their portrayal, as well saying “f*cking Jews” and “the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world” during his 2006 DUI arrest. And that’s only the anti-semitic things he...
According to Deadline, Gibson will “collaborate” on the script, produce the film through his Icon Productions company, and possibly direct. If he does get behind the camera, it will be his first time directing since 2006’s Apocalypto. But his provocative 2004 film The Passion of the Christ is getting the most attention now, due to its unfavorable depiction of Jews in the brutal retelling of Jesus’ crucifixion. Gibson has been blasted for their portrayal, as well saying “f*cking Jews” and “the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world” during his 2006 DUI arrest. And that’s only the anti-semitic things he...
- 9/9/2011
- by Jeff Leins
- newsinfilm.com
News that Mel Gibson may direct and star in a film based on the Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee has been greeted with dismay from Jewish community leaders in the Us
In what is sure to be seen as an increasingly desperate attempt to rehabilitate himself within the Hollywood community, it has been annouced that Mel Gibson may direct and star in a film based on the exploits of legendary Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee.
Maccabee was the prime mover in the successful 167Bc revolt of the Judean state against the Seleucid empire, which had conquered the region at the beginning of the 2nd century BC. The Jewish festival of Hanukah is a commemoration of Maccabee's restoration of Jewish worship in the temple in Jerusalem in 165Bc. In the modern era, Maccabee became a powerful symbolic figure for Zionist campaigners against the British authorities in the run-up to Israeli statehood in 1948.
Gibson...
In what is sure to be seen as an increasingly desperate attempt to rehabilitate himself within the Hollywood community, it has been annouced that Mel Gibson may direct and star in a film based on the exploits of legendary Jewish warrior Judah Maccabee.
Maccabee was the prime mover in the successful 167Bc revolt of the Judean state against the Seleucid empire, which had conquered the region at the beginning of the 2nd century BC. The Jewish festival of Hanukah is a commemoration of Maccabee's restoration of Jewish worship in the temple in Jerusalem in 165Bc. In the modern era, Maccabee became a powerful symbolic figure for Zionist campaigners against the British authorities in the run-up to Israeli statehood in 1948.
Gibson...
- 9/9/2011
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Jewish leaders have blasted Mel Gibson and Warner Bros. for developing a movie about the Jewish war hero Judah Maccabee.
"Judah Maccabee deserves better. He is a hero of the Jewish people and a universal hero in the struggle for religious liberty. It would be a travesty to have his story told by one who has no respect and sensitivity for other people's religious views," Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti Defamation League, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Check out photos of Mel Gibson
Foxman previously criticized Gibson's controversial 2004 film The Passion of the Christ, alongside other ...
Read More >...
"Judah Maccabee deserves better. He is a hero of the Jewish people and a universal hero in the struggle for religious liberty. It would be a travesty to have his story told by one who has no respect and sensitivity for other people's religious views," Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti Defamation League, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Check out photos of Mel Gibson
Foxman previously criticized Gibson's controversial 2004 film The Passion of the Christ, alongside other ...
Read More >...
- 9/9/2011
- by Joyce Eng
- TVGuide - Breaking News
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