Amy Schumer mans up to bad joke
Comedian takes responsibility for off-color one-liner from two years ago
Amy Schumer’s apology for a joke many interpreted as racist has created a landslide of media attention.
Time, Salon, TV Guide, Chicago Tribune, USA Today and a host of websites ran coverage of Schumer’s recent comments and apology –which she issued via Twitter.
The blonde native of New York’s Upper East Side made a comment about dating Hispanic men. Her statement plays on an English word that sounds like Spanish but suggests a culture of rape. “I used to date Latino guys,” Schumer joked, “but now I prefer consensual.”
When asked via Twitter about her outlook, Schumer readily labeled the gag a “short dumb joke” from about two years ago before she gained a following. She also offered what reads as a sincere apology.
“I am taking responsibility and hope I haven’t hurt anyone,” she Tweeted.
https://twitter.com/amyschumer/status/618134290136702976/photo/1
“Once I realized I had more eyes and ears on me and had an influence, I stopped telling jokes like that on stage. I am evolving as an artist. I am taking responsibility and hope I haven’t hurt anyone. And I apologize if I did. Thanks again for asking.”
“I wrote this joke 2 years ago. I used to do a lot of short dumb jokes like this. I played a dumb white girl character on stage. I still do sometimes,” she explained.
The exchange comes on the heels of accusations that Schumer has a blind spot when it comes to race. The off-color joke circulated in an article The Guardian published about the comedian’s “race problem.”
Schumer, who gained fame on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” is known for her crass hilarity. Her new film, “Trainwreck,” which she wrote and stars in, hits theaters this month. She also recently filmed an audition for Bravo’s reality show, “Real Housewives,” which displays her comic chops.
The comedian, writer and actor hails from a Jewish family on her paternal side and she was reportedly raised in the faith. Her father Gordon Schumer is a first cousin of New York Senator Chuck Schumer. And if you’re looking for yichus, Wikipedia reports that her great-grandmother, Estelle Schumer, was a Manhattan bootlegger.
The Times of Israel Community.