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

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

31. Even the Rev. himself could not come up with so eloquent & focused response!!! Thank You!

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

32. Why doesn't Sharpton ever defend white people? If he is all about equality, why does he only defend black people? Where was Sharpton when the black bitch lied about the Duke boys?

If he would focus his efforts on getting his own people to stop robbing, stealing and beating white elderly people, this world would be a better place. They think that the police discriminate. Well when about 75% of crime commited is done by black people, that's not exactly discrimination.

FACE THE TRUTH! I'M NOT A RACIST, I AM A REALIST..

Posted at 6:32PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Mindy

33. TMZ, calling a woman a ho is never ok! Your explanation, that you call all women names, is another insult and unexcusable.

Posted at 6:32PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Have a green day

34. THAT WAS A GREAT AND VERY PROFESIONAL RESPONSE. I LOVE IT. I AM A MINORITY AND I COMPLETELY AGREE THAT CERTAIN PEOPLE (COUGH-AL SHARPTON) TEND TO USE THE RACE CARD ANY CHANCE THEY GET. OH WAIT, EXCEPT WHEN HE USES RACIAL REMARKS- THEN HE'S STILL THE VICTIM.

Posted at 6:33PM on Jul 9th 2007 by SHEILA ROBLETO

35. that woman is built like a greek goddess .--------> drooling.

DARE ANY OTHER RACE TO BE SO DEFINE.

Posted at 6:33PM on Jul 9th 2007 by STALKER_at_3-o-clock

36. THANK YOU TMZ for not giving in to this clown's ignorant rhetoric! I'm a black woman and am sick and tired of this jackass jumping on an imaginary bandwagon just to get his name in the spotlight. He and Jesse Jackson are like herpes, every time they rear their heads, it's ugly and painful! Why won't he redirect his efforts someplace else? I STILL don't see him doing anything about rappers, comedians or anyone else that really IS offensive! Because he knows they won't give him the time of day! He's irrelevant and TMZ rocks! Thanks again!
(And that outfit WAS horrendous!)

Posted at 6:34PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Realist

37. Rev. Al Sharpton.....JUST SHUT UP!!!! NAACP buried a very offensive word today, and maybe you should have jumped in the coffin with it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 6:34PM on Jul 9th 2007 by kam

38. Rev Sharpton,unless people ask for your help...just keep your comments to yourself...

Posted at 6:34PM on Jul 9th 2007 by ME

39. Where was Al when Dave Chappelle used the word "ho"? I saw Dave's act live and he was discussing the fact that girls who dress like "ho's" get all upset when some guy in a club hits on them. His joke goes something like this "you may not be a ho, but you are wearing a ho's uniform..." - One of the FUNNIEST jokes I have ever heard I might add. Al certainly is the best at taking something out of context and twisting the crap out of it for his own private agenda. Hopefully most people are on to him by now and recognize him for the JOKE HE IS.

Posted at 6:34PM on Jul 9th 2007 by kbryde

40. Even the Rev. himself could not come up with so eloquent & measured response!!!

Posted at 6:35PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Ace

41. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson both are race baiting idiots. I'm quite sure Ms. Knowles has enough money and some official spokeswhore to speak on her behalf. As an African American, I am sick and tired of both of Sharpton and Jackson attempting to make issues out of things that really don't matter at all. I'm quite sure there is some more worthy cause to pursue other than reaming a gossip site a new butthole because he took offense. Who gives a shi*?

Posted at 6:35PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Poohbear1976

42. I didnt' know HO meant black woman. But hey the Rev thinks he knows everything doesn't he?
You could have sounded like Simon and said it was dreadful. But then that would be just mean, and not funny.
Dreadful Hobot outfit.

Posted at 6:35PM on Jul 9th 2007 by judy

43. that woman is built like a goddes ..------->drooling

DARE ANY OTHER RACE TO BE SOOOO DEFINE.

Posted at 6:36PM on Jul 9th 2007 by STALKER_at_3-o-clock

44. Good Job TMZ! You straight told his a$$. Let see what he has to say next, which will be pointless and meaningless.

Posted at 6:38PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Dee

45. TMZ please do not ever put this racist pigs face on your sight again, i never see racist acts unless uncle al of uncle jessie face is involved!! if they ever disappear then i bet race relations would improve 5000%

Posted at 6:38PM on Jul 9th 2007 by tucsonwaz

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