Louis C.K. Defends Tracy Morgan: Apology For Gay Joke Was 'Wasted Opportunity' (VIDEO)

Louis C.K. went on "Nightline" Monday night to discuss his career, and while there, defended fellow comedian Tracy Morgan from the fiery backlash he faced this summer after saying in a stand-up routine that he would stab his son if he were gay. The "Louie" star told "Nightline" that the resulting fallout was a "wasted opportunity" to educate people on the roots of homophobia.

The comic, who is currently promoting his self-released stand-up special "Live at the Beacon Theater," had defended Morgan's joke in the past.

C.K. told ABC’s Bill Weir that he believes Morgan's comments were misunderstood, if not poorly worded. "He said, 'If my son is gay, he better come to me about it like a man. Because if he came to me like this' -- and then he did a little effeminate gay voice -- 'I'd stab that little n*****.'"

While admitting that he was not close friends with Morgan, C.K. tried to place the joke in context of Morgan's background and its traditional view of masculinity.

He theorized that Morgan's upbringing dictated that males "had an obligation to be a man in a certain way, and it was important in his family to view men as men. Then, he meets gay men and has no idea how to accomodate that."

Louie then explained his own experiences that informed his more tolerant attitude toward gays -- for instance, many of the fathers at his daughters' school are gay, and "they are some of the most courageous, manly, fatherly men I know." While not letting Morgan off the hook entirely, he emphasized that he felt Morgan should not have been attacked for processing "very confusing" thoughts during a stand-up routine. "That's what jokes are. You don't tiptoe around it."

But C.K. also feels that Morgan's critics did themselves a disservice by being quick to attack Morgan instead of opening up a dialogue about the subject.

"The opportunity that was lost was for the gay community to ask Tracy, 'Why did you say that? What was your dad like? What is being a man like to you?' It could have been the starting point of a conversation that might have actually made a difference in the way people feel about homophobia," C.K. said.

"But to say, you can't say that, and that's hate speech, and to go on a 'sorry' tour, that's a waste of time to me. I think it was a wasted opportunity."

(via Laughspin)

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Comments

[Michael Lee Smyth]

3 hours ago ( 4:15 PM)

Kudos to Louis for taking the time to show a viewpoint that is not a knee jerk reaction.

[FDR67]

11:33 AM on 02/21/2012

I really love this guy..more smart comedians please!

[Brian Berneker]

01:23 PM on 02/15/2012

Louie is totally bang on. There is much more to be said that simply dismissing people for controversial remarks. Sometimes there is a more worthy social commentary to be made.

[Doc Coats]

09:41 PM on 12/22/2011

Louis C.K. is the next George Carlin and I am so very happy to know someone like him, as brave and downright funny as he is, has taken up the torch of reason and understanding that George carried for so long.

[Faith Roby]

11:45 PM on 12/15/2011

Freedom of Speech Stand Up!

[PMJ79]

11:13 AM on 01/07/2012

Responsibility For Speech Stand Up!

(unless American)

[Marco Lanz]

09:23 PM on 12/15/2011

It was a joke. Whether it was a good joke is another debate, but it was a joke and should be treated as such. Tracy Morgan is comedian, his bread and butter is making jokes and from time to time those jokes will cross the a line established by those who subscribe to political correctness. Knee jerk response to jokes proves two things; a lack of sense of humor and a total misunderstanding between personal views and a comedic act.

[PMJ79]

10:43 AM on 01/07/2012

@Marco Lanz

Remeber that whenever someone says something you find offensive or inappropriate.

[lateralus1983]

07:47 PM on 01/07/2012

There's a difference between "someone" and a comedian. A random guy on the street can offend me (not likely, I'm not thin skinned). Comedians can't cross a line because there is no line in comedy.

[recycled365]

08:06 PM on 12/15/2011

I just never could understand how a black person could be discriminatory against another minority especially after the way blacks had suffered all these years.

[Ebusafrica]

03:35 AM on 12/16/2011

I know, i always wonder about that too when i see gay people clearly prejudiced against other minorities like black people.

[recycled365]

07:30 AM on 12/16/2011

Maybe they shouldn't be throwing stones when they live in glass houses.

[slarabee]

07:58 PM on 12/15/2011

I am a bit annoyed. I posted a comment on this post a couple of days ago and it was moderated out. I imagine it was considered "off topic" but the topic is this video clip is it not?

So trying again. I love Louie and his comedy and I agree with him for the most part about the whole Tracy Morgan thing although to be honest I do not find Tracy all that funny.

But the most striking thing to me about this video is the size of the sweat stains under Louie's armpits in this video. For god sake this man must have to drink gallons of water everyday. I was in fear that the interviewer may be drowned in some kind of freak perspiration tragedy.

Louie should get an endorsement deal with Axe for the "Premature Perspiration" commercials.

I only say this because I love Louie and I think he needs to see a doctor, I am worried for his health.

[brunkadunk]

02:15 PM on 12/15/2011

I don't know how people are saying the joke wasn't funny when none of us were there or have heard it.

[MediaWatchDawg]

01:21 PM on 12/15/2011

C.K. fails to mention comedians, especially successful ones, can find themselves in a place where they think ANYTHING they say is "funny." While performing, they can feel they're "on a roll" or "in the zone." Riotous audience laughter to a "funny man" is no less intoxicating than a double-vodka and suddenly, ALL things are possible - or at least humorous. And in this hazy, rapid, trial-by fire exercise, nothing is held back. The constant NEED for laughs supersedes common sense, sometimes, to the detriment of the performer's talent and stellar reputation. Michael Richards comes to mind. Remember him?

[wedgie]

10:14 AM on 12/15/2011

Just went and bought Louis C K's internet only stand up comedy special on his web site. Just five bucks. Support the man. He's a really thoughtful innovative guy.

[Rydax]

10:10 AM on 12/15/2011

Did they have the heat on or does he always have such terrific pit stains. Time to get a clinical strength antiperspirant.

[wedgie]

09:59 AM on 12/15/2011

Louis is advocating for dialogue instead of a simple condemnation response to Tracey's joke because when you can get someone to speak into a race or cultural space you go beyond just condemning an act to helping others in our culture understand the source of it. Condemning the act is not wrong, its just a missed opportunity to go deeper.

[ESJ247]

07:30 AM on 12/15/2011

Blaming your family and the way you were raised as an excuse to hate others gets old. At some point you grow up and respect others. C.K. gives all racists an excuse to discriminate. Tracy Morgan did the right thing by apologizing - because he knew it was wrong and would affect his career. The joke was to cater to the haters in his audience. That's cheap humor and not very clever.

[Tim Fuller]

07:05 AM on 12/15/2011

Killing gay kids isn't a joking matter. It's a real life concern for many homosexual children. You want to have a discussion about the morality of homosexuality? For that you'll need to include the CHURCHES who continue to promulgate hate against gays. This black comedian is just a product of such an environment. The black community is one of the most homophobic cultures left in America. It shows.
Enjoy.