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]
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Reader Comments

(Page 7 of 42)Previous 15 Comments | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

91. @ 71, they are not spiritual leaders, they are biggots with their own agendas.

Posted at 7:35PM on Jul 9th 2007 by drbinhb

92. Why is there a BET (black entertainment television) and not a WET (white entertainment television) awards show? Ponders if there is any racism there?

Posted at 7:36PM on Jul 9th 2007 by drbinhb

93. This Al Sharpton guy is the reason why there is still racism. It keeps his donations comming in, it allows some people who are clueless on how to run their lives folllowing him and comments like this put him in the public spot light, this way maybe no-one will forget about him.

On a lighter note...when is White american history month?

Posted at 7:38PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Cheryl

94. My best friend and I call each other "ho" all the time. To us it is a term of endearment. We are both close to 50 and white. Does this make us racist?

Posted at 7:38PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Kate

95. 118. Dear anglo_saxon-against_JEWS,

awwww you poor thing, you see I dont care, therefore it's not a slam and you need to learn how to read and get an education

Posted at 7:35PM on Jul 9th 2007 by J Rex

HELP ME WITH THE FACTS WAS THE OVEN ON "BROIL" OR "BAKE'

Posted at 7:39PM on Jul 9th 2007 by anglo_saxon-against_JEWS

96. I read this site like the rest of your bloggers. But when you feed into the behavior, you draw out the most nasty people with extreme views--And that is what I find offensive, coming from either white or black spectrum. Rather than acknowledge the tension brought on by the word, especially when the person called doesn't necessarily fit into that category as some other celebrities, it just causes some of the most racist and ignorant commentators to come out of the woodwork. Save us who appreciate a good story, the racist, negative and nasty comments of vulgarity of bloggers and delete or just close the comments option.

Posted at 7:39PM on Jul 9th 2007 by disappointed in tmz bloggers

97. Sharpton always has something to say even when it isn't warranted. That guy is one of the biggest racists on the planet. Every time one turns there is him and his big mouth in front of a camera, talking crap. All I ever hear when he comes on anymore is blah blah blah. Last I knew TMZ was an ENTERTAINMENT site, not the gospel. Lighten up, Sharpton--go find a rally where you're wanted!!

Posted at 7:39PM on Jul 9th 2007 by myself

98. TMZ did nothing wrong. Beyonce should have choose a better outfit. They called her that cause that's how she looked. Beyonce Reps herself. No one should look up to someone so fake and phony.

Posted at 7:40PM on Jul 9th 2007 by star72

99. AMEN TMZ

Posted at 7:41PM on Jul 9th 2007 by cured1

100. Personally I have to say I’m so tired of Rev. Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. Instead of sending out ridiculous letters to get attention maybe they should focus on there own people, the rappers, gang bangers, ect…. Maybe if they start with them the world would be better. If I’m not mistaken the phrase Ho and Bitch came from Rap lyrics which were performed by black people. It really pisses me off that these guys go around saying that everyone is a racist; maybe they should look at themselves and there people first. So I say to Sharpton and Jackson – GET A LIFE!!!! STOP BLAMING EVERYONE ELSE FOR YOUR PEOPLES PROBLEMS….

Posted at 7:42PM on Jul 9th 2007 by pleasegetalife

101. Ok, if you want to explain yourself that's fine, but I didn't feel it was necessary. Please please please don't stop the HI-larious commentary. That is the reason why I come here other than just getting the latest scoop.

Posted at 7:43PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Me Myself and I

102. That was the best response to these ridiculous accusations of racism. Every little thing he sees that "could" affect an African American, he takes and runs with the opportunity to scream racism! People, LIKE TMZ can make fun of things and just because... it doesn't mean RACISM!

That guy needs to go... Let’s have Barack Obama take his place... maybe there will be a more intelligent person running the group he (Rev. Sharpton) heads.

-Chris
chris@dentontrailertrash.com

Posted at 7:43PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Chris

103. This should be the last straw for SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING about this man's attacks!! What can be done??? He reeks of racism. His last tirade was bad enough, now here he goes again, making another mountain out of another mole hill. The powers that be have got to stop listening and reacting to this act of self promotion.

Posted at 7:43PM on Jul 9th 2007 by nanni

104. OK - TMZ You are right on the money -
Al Sharpton is a 'relaxer ho" It is getting to the point where we are going to have to install filters!
This whole situation is getting ridiculous. We need to get tough skinned and stop acting like a bunch of whiney hos! Yes I typed it!

Posted at 7:43PM on Jul 9th 2007 by Glenda

105. I'm with TMZ. How could the comment have been racist?? If anything sexist, but it wasn't, it was funny. What was that girl wearing anyways? She should dress appropriately if she does not want to be talked about....isn't that how it's always been?

Posted at 7:44PM on Jul 9th 2007 by zahira

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