June 15, 2011

Tracy Morgan Credits Father’s AIDS Death With Learning About Homophobia

After apologizing for his homophobic remarks, Tracy Morgan has committed to working with the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) to make amends, according to a GLAAD statement. His homophobic comments were made during a recent stand-up comedy show in Nashville, Tennessee. Morgan agreed to meet in New York City with clients of the Ali Forney Center, which helps at-risk LGBT youth. The comedian said his father’s AIDS-related death in 1987 helped him learn about homophobia, prejudice and stigma.

To read the GLAAD statement, click here.

Search: Tracy Morgan, homophobia, homophobic, apology, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, GLAAD, Ali Forney Center, LGBT youth, public apology

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Previous Comments:

taylor`956, Baltimore, 2011-07-14 22:12:38
There is something sad and ritualistic about this type of apology and pseudo-redemption, like the politicians caught in outside affairs who have to then scrupulously apologize while the wife stands stoicly beside him; choreographed insincere rituals where all the parties go through the motions and yet everyone secretly knows nothing really changes.

Sid Deluca, San Antonio, 2011-06-28 13:19:14
When people show you who they are, believe them - Maya Angelou

Rick, North Carolina, 2011-06-24 23:25:26
The person from Baltimore who wrote a response needs to understand that AIDS is not a gay disease. IT IS A BLOOD DISEASE that can happen to anyone. Being gay does not cause someone to contract AIDS. Having sex without a condom causes someone to contract AIDS. Also, I am already boycotting anyprgram that includes Tracy Morgan.

scott4261, Fayetteville, AR, 2011-06-23 17:17:34
So Tracy Morgan said something stupid... So what?

Until the last decade, decade and a half, I really had to correct well-meaning "progressive" straights who were still in their evolution - to borrow a word from the president - on issues such as acceptance of persons with AIDS....and forget about gay marriage!

...So I take him at his word. Let's move on.

We need to take a deep breath and realize just how far we've come. And we need to hold our elected representatives' feet to the fire...

pat, sheboygan, 2011-06-23 15:03:02
being poz for nearly 20 years, I have grown tired of all the whining about being victimized I read in these comments. Toughen up people! people say stupid shit all the time. We receive more social and economical support than any other group of people with a chronic illness.Maybe its time to be the hammer instead of the nail people

David, West Hollywood, 2011-06-19 22:15:57
He said it and meant it. Now, he is talking really quick, trying to get in good with anyone who is willing to side with him. Teach him a lesson; boycot his stand up and television show. Sorry, Tina Fey. Comedians are a dime a dozen; get someone else for your show.

phillip link, Clarksville, In., 2011-06-18 06:34:54
What a work of art this asswipe is , people like him are not sorry for what they said , they are sorry for getting caught. I dont care even if he is a "comedian" any time you say some thing like that you mean it, I am so tired of all these people doing things like this an getting away with it with just , Oh , I am sorry , I will write a check or do something , NO.NO.NO!! ets get them where it hurts the most in his walet, lets boycott any an every thing he does, I know I will, shame if you dont!

thomas, little rock, 2011-06-17 20:12:03
What a jackass . He needs to do more than apologize. So his dad died of aids . He should of thought before he spoke . Dumb f$&@#@!#$r !!!!!!!

Tom, Vallejo, CA, 2011-06-16 14:57:21
Apparently Mr. Morgan didn't learn much about homophobia from his father's AIDS-related death....What do you think it will take for him to buy a clue about intolerance?

JoeP, New York, 2011-06-16 12:57:39
As a black man with HIV,It cracks me up when an African american would make any derogatory remarks about HIV, etc when 3% of DC(basically a black city) is HIV +, worse than some areas of Africa. He is a fat ass.

Paul Courtney, Baltimore, 2011-06-16 12:50:16
Tracy Morgan has spoken candidly about the death of his fahter. That fear that his son would suffer the same faith. Is where and how comics come up with material for there act. He would rather kill his son himself than have him say he Gay and end up positve with HIV/AIDS. Because in the black communiy being Gay increases your chances quad-fold.

Mark Janes, , 2011-06-16 12:30:23
Wow. His father died of AIDS and he felt comfortable furthering the kind of atmosphere that most enables the spread of the virus. I hope he's capable of learning just how harmful that form of hate really is. But if having your father die of AIDS didn't open his eyes I'm not sure what will.

BJ, Texas, 2011-06-16 12:26:13
Don't you think its a little late to be apologizing, when you should have been more supportive when he was alive?

Lew Alessio, Lewiston, ME, 2011-06-16 12:01:55
"The comedian said his father’s AIDS-related death in 1987 helped him learn about homophobia, prejudice and stigma." No, Mr. Morgan. It did not. Not at all. If your behavior is that of a "learned" man, what, then is a bigot?

Gordon, Dallas, 2011-06-16 11:28:35
I understand that having a father die of AIDS would be traumatic, but to say that you learned about the stigma of AIDS and homophobia through your father's death makes his comments even more shameful and outrageous. I think even less of Tracy Morgan now for using his father's death as a ploy for sympathy from the public. What a sad attempt at covering for his actions!