Artie Lange apologizes to Cari Champion over sexual slave fantasy
Comedian Artie Lange apologized to Cari Champion Wednesday for tweets he sent Tuesday morning about the ESPN “First Take” host.
Lange, who has hosted his own radio show and is known for his role on “The Howard Stern Show,” talked about his crush on Champion while watching “First Take.” The comedian then revealed a sexual slave fantasy he had about Champion.
A day after receiving backlash for the tweets, Lange specifically apologized to Champion while expressing reluctance to apologize in general for fear of caving to PC groups. He also blamed the audience for taking offense to his tweets.
Below are his tweets:
I'm about to tweet a few things I can't believe have to be explained in a rational world. I observed that @CariChampion was a gorgeous lady
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
This observation came while I was watching one of my favorite tv shows ESPNs First Take. I also noticed she was black.
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I then thought it would be funny to tweet JOKES about that observation. A decision which might be the end of modern comedy
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I tweeted jokes that in the past I would've said in privately in my home among friends. I know black women who could join me and handle it
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I won't debate if the tweets were funny. That could take minutes of precious time left in my career. The issue is do they warrant an apology
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
Tricky question. I would rather load trucks for a living then ever apologize to one of these awful PC groups ruining the country
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
So that's a NO. But if it upset the lady in question that's another story. Let me say to @CariChampion if this hurt u in any way I'm sorry
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I'm a comedian. Sometimes I'm funny! For the record my moms disgusted w the tweets. But if I based my humor on my mom I'd be broke
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
Lange continued to play the victim card, blaming everyone else for being outraged over his tweets, and saying his appearance on the Comedy Central show “@Midnight” was cancelled because of his tweets.
They're now telling me I can't appear on @Midnight tonight cause of the pressure they're getting from these groups.
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
But who cares. I love the show & it's my living but who cares. These groups have won again. All I care about is @CariChampion Truly
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
Lange then apologized directly to Champion:
@CariChampion they were all jokes. Stupid jokes. Very stupid but jokes. Pls don't let them harm you. If they did I'm sorry
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
But I'm sure you'll be ok. You're gorgeous & talented. I hope that didn't offend u. To the PC army. Congrats! U won again! Gluten free cake!
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I've been asked not to appear on @midnight & uve ruined any chance I had at dating @CariChampion (That was a joke). I'm not racist.
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
ESPN responded to Lange’s tweets with the following statement:
“His comments were reprehensible and no one should be subjected to such hateful language,” the network said via SI’s Richard Deitsch. “They objectify and demean one of our valued employees under the thin guise of “comedy” and are offensive to all of us. We will not dignify them with any other comment.”
