Protest Over Ass Comment on "Regis and Kelly"

Posted Oct 30th 2008 7:26PM by TMZ Staff

A donkey might be a good symbol for the Democratic Party, but that doesn't mean Dominicans want to be compared to one on national TV.
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Here's what went down. Kelly Ripa told a story on Monday about how one of her 37 kids was learning about government and said the elephant represented the Republicans and the donkey represented the Dominicans. Regis then quipped, "She's pretty close." Ay, caramba!

A Dominican-American group is demanding an apology from the show, claiming "host Regis Philbin practically agreed with laughter over what the two thought was a joke."

Dominican-American and Latino leaders will stage a protest outside the ABC studios tomorrow in NYC where the show airs.

Tomato, tomahto, Democrat, Dominican -- let's call the whole thing off!

Filed under: TV


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1. OMG, everyone is so sensitive! Get over it people, it was unintentional and funny.

Posted at 7:30PM on Oct 30th 2008 by whatado

2. Oh MY god what's the big deal???

Posted at 7:32PM on Oct 30th 2008 by Daniel

3. This whole protest thing is idiotic. It's obvious Regis meant that Ripa's daughter was "pretty close" in her pronunciation. He was in no way making a racist comparison regarding asses and Dominicans, or whatever the hell this group thinks. PC= Pissy Crybabies.

Posted at 7:36PM on Oct 30th 2008 by Alicia

4. OHo my goodness she meant nothing by it kids say the funniest things so what---Get over it all ready!!!

Posted at 7:37PM on Oct 30th 2008 by Lori

5. The Dominican-American group must not have anything better to do. It's only going to bring more attention to the show. I stopped watching it a few years ago. Just because they want to protest, I'm going to watch the show. Thanks Dominican-Americans!

Posted at 7:40PM on Oct 30th 2008 by Gypsy

6. Arent most Dominicans Democrats anyway? why get offended

Posted at 7:41PM on Oct 30th 2008 by mack

7. Ok...I didn't see it, but as soon as I read this, I took it to mean "That's pretty close" As in, The kid was pretty close to repeating the right word. Not in the way others seemed to have taken it... I mean you know kids....

Like the mistakes made by tykes learning the Pledge Of Allegiance...."and to the Republic for "Richard Stands", One nation, under "Bob......"

I'm just sayin' :) :) :)

Posted at 7:42PM on Oct 30th 2008 by Vamp

8. Come down Regis meant that Dominican and Democratic are "pretty close".

Posted at 7:42PM on Oct 30th 2008 by Daniel

9. I saw that show and it was in no way meant to harm anyone. It was about funny things kids say. People need to just get over it. There are so many bad things going on in the world and people pick this to be mad at. PLEASE...... Get a grip

Posted at 7:43PM on Oct 30th 2008 by Laurie

10. These people have time to both watch Regis and Kelly and also protest at the ABC studios? Don't Dominicans work?

Posted at 7:43PM on Oct 30th 2008 by I organize clam bakes

11. F@ck political correctness. And f@ck ANYBODY that protests over something as stupid as this. Will Jesus Jackson be there?

Posted at 7:47PM on Oct 30th 2008 by I laugh at others misfortunes

12. I understand a donkey call up and made a complete ass of itself resenting that it was compared to a ..Dominican !! ykes

Posted at 7:49PM on Oct 30th 2008 by wazup

13. Ripa's an idiot anyway...she's from southern NJ after all. Busy being skeletal, preening and chipmunky. And she and Reeg often have their little inside jokes.

Posted at 7:49PM on Oct 30th 2008 by sparkys nemesis

14. oh wow. what a dumbass joke.
and theyre probably gonna have to apologize for a joke that wasnt even a little bit funny. sucks to be that ugly old guy and that woman with the creepy arms.

Posted at 7:53PM on Oct 30th 2008 by mp

15. That's just ridiculous. If they watch the show at all then they would know that Reege wont be there tomorrow, he has Friday's off.

Posted at 7:56PM on Oct 30th 2008 by Lane

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