Gay Group Slams Letterman Over Transgender Joke

Human Rights Coalition says “Late Show” gag on Obama appointment “incendiary”

David Letterman is under fire over a joke. Again.

On Tuesday’s “Late Show,” announcer Alan Kalter interrupted Letterman during his monologue when the host mentioned that Amanda Simpson, President Obama’s appointment to the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, is a transgender woman.

"What?!” Kalter shouted. “Amanda?! Amanda used to be a dude?! Oh my God!!"

In a letter to CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler, Allyson Robinson of the Human Rights Campaign — the nation’s largest gay rights group — called the gag "inappropriate and incendiary.”

"Your skit affirmed and encouraged a prejudice against transgender Americans that keeps many from finding jobs, housing, and enjoying freedoms you and your writers take for granted every day," Robinson wrote.

Want to keep reading?

Create a free account, or log in with your email below.

 

Gain access to unlimited free articles, news alerts, select newsletters, podcasts and more.

 

Comments