The gay sympathizing D-list comedian’s “pussy joke” at the Apollo — which aired on Kathy Griffin‘s Bravo show last week — supposedly got the girl banned from the theater for life. Something about offending the kids with talk of Octomom’s labia majora. But one gay blogger (and Friend of Queerty) in the audience back in March says it wasn’t as ruthless as the show made you think. What’s this? Kathy Griffin pulling a stunt for ratings glory? Even if it makes her look bad to blacks?
First, the audience was 70% white and the show made it look like the audience was predominately black. It was actually the whitest audience I have ever seen at the Apollo and I have been there countless times over the years.
Also, it wasn’t “family night” (I’m not even sure that exists) at the Apollo. It was Amateur Night – one for the kids and one for the adults. I’ve been to the Apollo Theatre several times and I have never been there for a night when I didn’t hear a curse word. You only saw him for a second on the show, but the MC for Amateur Night (I forgot his name) was cussing up a storm — like most comedians at the Apollo, he was edgy, raunchy and the crowd loved every minute of it.
The rep from the Apollo seemed extremely sincere at his disgust for Kathy so I can’t imagine it was staged — but it didn’t seem logical. The rep said she insulted the theater and she is no longer welcomed now or in the future. But, if I remember correctly, Kathy’s “pussy joke,” which is what allegedly set the rep off, about the Octomom was at the beginning of her set – the joke seemed to be a hit and got some good laughs. Maybe I was in the trashy section! I clearly remember Griffin began to lose the crowd when she rambled about Palin. Actually, I felt like she was holding back and not edgy enough.
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Dabq
While I think she is at times a hoot, this time I’ll go with whoever the guy is that said the place was 70% white, which, I would assume it would be anyway for her show, as I doubt if most blacks even know or care who she is.
Nate
Long time reader, first time commenter.
I, too, was at this performance at the Apollo in March. Kathy was invited to perform a 10 minute set during amateur night (which in total lasted about two hours). Immediately before Kathy went on stage, a group of about 30 kids (I would guess they were about 10 years old) performed a song as part of amateur night. The audience applauded and the Rev. Al Sharpton came out from backstage and gave Kathy a warm introduction. He stated that he had met Kathy numerous times on political TV shows and he respected her as a comedian and as a friend.
Kathy came out and performed, in my opinion, a very censored performance. It was clear that she was extremely nervous and was toning down her normal shtick. Yes, she did the pussy joke. BUT the audience loved it. There were a few who didn’t think it was funny but the audience was definitely laughing.
She did her 10 minute set and was played off stage when her time was up. The show made it seem as though she was immediately played off as soon as the pussy joke was made. False.
The audience was aware that Kathy would be performing that night. Kathy sent out a tweet on Twitter about three days before the performance asking for all of her gays to come out to support her. The tickets were sold through TicketMaster and it was clear that Kathy would be performing. In fact, I remember being disappointed that Kathy was only on for about 10 minutes of the two hour show. I came only to see Kathy. Judging by the mostly gay audience that night, I wasn’t the only one.
Yes, it’s reality TV so we shouldn’t expect the entire truth. But she was not played off stage because of that pussy joke
The Milkman
You mean reality shows sometimes edit things to maximize the drama? I’m shocked. SHOCKED.
Griffin’s show isn’t a documentary.
planetspinz
and why the hell was an emmy winning comic booked on amateur night anyway?
RainaWeather
@planetspinz: good point!
asa1973
@Nate: So glad to hear this. I’ve watched the Apollo all my life, and have seen cursing and cursing and more cursing. That she would get booed off stage for a pussy joke just didn’t make sense. Thanks for putting it in perspective.
Nickadoo
@planetspinz: Likely to get more asses in the seats, I’d imagine. I think it’s fairly common for them to have special guest performances and hosts on amateur night.
ezbz
this shouldn’t be a surprise, he shows are scripted….