The Truth, The Ho Truth and Nothing But the Truth

Posted Jul 9th 2007 5:54PM by TMZ Staff

Thank you Rev. Sharpton. In response to your statement questioning TMZ's use of the term "roboho," first and foremost, please note that we called Beyonce's performance outfit "roboho" not Ms. Knowles herself. There is a difference. One need not know a celebrity personally to have an opinion on their wardrobe. Joan Rivers created an entire industry based on this fact.

As to accusations that our comment was racially motivated, TMZ has humorously called into question many celebs for wearing racy outfits -- regardless of their race. In the past, TMZ referred to Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, as "poshtitute," Hulk Hogan's daughter a "working girl" and called Lindsay Lohan's trashy ensemble a "HO-rror." A tight mini-dress is a tight mini-dress! Even Kid Rock got a humorous "ho" reference in a December 2006 story, and last we checked, he was neither Black nor a woman.

The point of the BET Awards story was to humorously highlight the fashion missteps of celebrity attendees at the show. We were making light of their outfits -- not who they are as people. With everything serious going on in our world, if you can't make fun of something as superficial as awards show clothing, then what can you make fun of? TMZ has done similar fashion stories for the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, CMTs, etc. If nothing else, the wardrobe critique of the BET Awards proved that TMZ is an equal opportunity offender when it comes to the snarky fashion policing of Hollywood.

We ask you, should the word "ho" be banned? Or only in reference to Black women? Isn't the context in which a word is used almost as important, if not more so, than the actual word? While others may have used the term with maliciousness -- we clearly did not. It was a humor piece -- as all of our fashion roundup stories are.

TMZ appreciates your feedback, Rev. Sharpton, and the dialogue it has opened, but it is clear that the only thing more subjective than what is fashionable, is what one finds funny.

Filed under: Beyonce Knowles, Features

Comments [621]
Digg itDel.icio.usMy YahooSphereRSSMySpace

Reader Comments

(Page 2 of 42)Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. I was in the audience at an Al Sharpton speech in February and some of the words and phrases he used were highly divisive. Of course, it was given at an HBCU so I'm sure he thought the folks in the audience really wouldn't mind. I did and I was appalled. Why doesn't anyone ever check him on his choice of words? At the very least, his past anti-Jewish sentiments merit some sort of an apology.

Posted at 6:22PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Christina

17. Wait a minute TMZ!

Beyonce STOLE that outfit from Kylie Minogue's Fever Tour!

That's the REAL controversy!

Posted at 6:23PM on Jul 9th 2007 by You're Jealous of Paris

18. al is the fattest load , i cant believe people even take his words serious.he lies,misjudges,&falsly accuses poeple,yet some dumbasses still think he's some kind of spiritual leader for minorities.

Posted at 6:23PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Gomer P:yle

19. TMZ, You should be ashamed of yourself. You don't just disrespect people, you rant on and on about just how bad you disrespect people. Could you be more pathetic?

Posted at 6:23PM on Jul 9th 2007 by R&R

20. TMZ throw the BAIT and you sukers BITE ...please continue. ROFL

Posted at 6:24PM on Jul 9th 2007 by any_publicity_is_good_pub

21. Al Sharpton is the NUMBER ONE rascist in America.

And the number one extortionist

Posted at 6:26PM on Jul 9th 2007 by beth

22. that's what dumbass gets for trying to wear a fugly Balenciaga! She needs to go away.

Posted at 6:26PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Beyonce not a ho,she's an idiot

23. I think this guy has got to stop putting so much emphisis on race. It's ridiculous that you accuse of someone being racist because they made a joke about an outfit a black woman is wearing. If it was a white woman, everyone would of laughed and it would have been forgotten about. Grouping people like this and having double standerds only promotes the idea that black people are different from whites and isn't that what this guy is claiming to try and change? If you want people to think of everyone as equal whether it be men to women or different races, then you have to have the same standerds for all, NOT this double standerds crap.

Posted at 6:27PM on Jul 9th 2007 by LisaG

24. This was a great response TMZ...I agree 100%

Posted at 6:29PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Alex

25. Al Sharpton, sorry DOG, seek elsewhere for a racist story paycheck!!

Posted at 6:29PM on Jul 9th 2007 by rev getting paid

26. Go ahead TMZ... I am black and don't recall making him the spokesperson for my race! Good response!!

Posted at 6:29PM on Jul 9th 2007 by msronique

27. Al is an attentionho!!!

Posted at 6:30PM on Jul 9th 2007 by ed

28. It's about damn time someone stand up to him. Jesus, it's getting to the point that if you're a white person and simply sneeze the wrong way you're a racist. The "racist" card has long been overused and abused. Get over it, people!

Posted at 6:30PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Opinionated

29. Ugh, can't stand how minorities will find ANYTHING to complain and garner attention for themselves. It's so low! Rev. Sharpton is a joke....he's old, old fashioned, thinks he speaks for everyone and is just totally bored if he feels the need to attack TMZ like this. He actually makes HIS community look bad by being represented in this matter.

Posted at 6:30PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Ruben Garay

30. Dear: Al Sharpton
You will be respeted the day that you condem the language that african americans and the hip hop, rap community use to described women. They invented the word Ho, and bitches and negroes. They said all the time. But you sir, have never raised your voice to condem the singers and the vulgar language in which they degrades black women. You only raise your voice when white people use the words. To me sir that it's being racist. You are a racist against whites. And I resent that.

So go to hell!

Posted at 6:31PM on Jul 9th 2007 by coco

Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

Hot Tips