GLAAD asks Perez Hilton to apologize for using anti-gay slur

Perez Hilton
Perez “my eye is falling out” Hilton posted an indignant 11 minute video rant on his blog yesterday in which he expressed outrage that the manager of the Black Eyed Peas punched him in the face after he called musician Will.i.am the anti-gay f-word multiple times. Perez is a gay man and admitted that he used the slur after making “a split second decision that I was going to say the worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear.” He stupidly added “I knew it was going to set him off but I didn’t want to get into a fight with this person.” Will.i.am said that he didn’t attack Perez and explained in a calm video blog on his website that he thought a fan must have hit him after witnessing the incident. He elaborated in another video segment that he didn’t punch him at all and that it was unfair to accuse him of it.

Now the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, GLAAD, has issued a call for Perez to apologize for using the F word, which is one of the most hateful anti-gay slurs out there. (We are sorry for printing this word in full yesterday and will include an asterisk in the word in the future, as per GLAAD’s request.)

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has asked Perez Hilton to apologize for slurs he hurled at Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.

GLAAD was responding to a video posted by the celebrity blogger, whose legal name is Mario Lavandeira, in which Hilton gave his version of events after Will.i.am posted a video describing their recent confrontations at and after the MuchMusic Video Awards. Said Hilton in his video: “I made the split-second decision — that I was gonna say what I thought was the worst possible thing that thug [Will.i.am] would ever want to hear” — which was a handful of assorted F-bombs.

Rashad Robinson, GLAAD’s senior director of media programs, said: “These are vulgar anti-gay slurs that feed a climate of hatred and intolerance toward our community. For someone in our own community to use it to attack another person by saying that it is, quote, ‘The worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear,’ is incredibly dangerous. It legitimizes use of a slur that is often linked to violence against our community. And it sends a message that it is OK to attempt to dehumanize people by exploiting anti-gay attitudes.”

“We have reached out to Hilton and asked him to apologize for promoting this anti-gay slur, and we would ask media outlets to avoid repetition of the slur in their coverage of this story.”

[From LA Times via PopCrunch]

Reader jm noted yesterday that Perez was being a hypocrite along with a bigot because he’s “the same guy who launched that crazy hate campaign against Isaiah Washington from Grey’s Anatomy ([for] using the f word).” Why would he call someone the F word after rallying against it? It doesn’t make sense and there seems to be some kind of self-hatred going on there. Will.i.am’s measured, much more believable account makes it seem like Perez way overreacted. That really seems to be the case especially since we can see that he’s continuing to overreact in his response to the incident. He didn’t seem to think there was anything wrong with throwing the F word out there as if it was a legitimate response to being asked by Will.i.am to be more respectful to his band and to his friend Fergie.

TMZ has the video of Perez’s outrageous slur and there were plenty of people watching. It’s not surprising that someone thought the best response to his out of control outrage was a beat down. Do you think he’s going to apologize or will he continue to play the pouting, wronged victim? Still nothing on his website, but it’s early on the west coast.

Here are photos of Perez, Fergie and the Black Eyed Peas at the Much Music Awards in Toronto on 6/21/09. Credit: PRPhotos.

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37 Responses to “GLAAD asks Perez Hilton to apologize for using anti-gay slur”

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  1. Vibius says:

    So you cant even report about the words use without censoring it? That dulls the impact of the crime doesnt it?

  2. CandyKay says:

    This guy’s time has really come and gone, hasn’t it?

    A bit like his namesake Paris Hilton.

  3. Cece says:

    I can’t stop laughing at this guy. Just heard his teary eyed speech about what little respect he now has for the black eyed peas. Not saying much for a man who’d walk out the house with that rediculous outfit.

  4. Devries says:

    “(We are sorry for printing this word in full yesterday and will include an asterisk in the word in the future, as per GLAAD’s request.)”

    :eyeroll:

    Oh, for fuck’s sake…

  5. Benjamin says:

    I’ve always had my issues with GLAAD. I applaud their work in to giving us a voice, but I sometimes disagree with how much they want to act like thought police as if eradicating a word like “faggot” will somehow erase homophobia. They need to wise up and realize that homophobia isn’t about language but the way people think. THAT is where we need to work on changing things.
    All that said, it delights me to know end that they’re taking Perez to task. After the hoopla over Ms. California (who is still the worst), it’s nice to see him get a public shaming for being such an ugly hypocrite. There’s a wide valley between reappropriation and hate speech, and Perez Hilton’s use of the word falls firmly in the latter. Shame on him.

  6. Cinderella says:

    He deserves to have the gay community shun him. Hypocrite fits perfectly.

  7. Jaded says:

    He’s gone off the deep end – he’s become pathologically self-involved, self-righteous and thinks his cruel rants at celebrities are justified. What a dink.

  8. Samantha says:

    Yeah, he is refusing to apologize and is even angry with GLAAD for asking him to. Finally, I think we start to expect him to slowly fade away now. Hypocrite.

  9. geronimo says:

    Wish GLAAD had just ignored him completely. Instead they’re giving him exactly what he loves, attention, on top of which, in his mind, telling him he’s an influential social commentator and one that holds a lot of sway. 🙄

    The only way to ‘cure’ Perez (apart from hitting him until his head falls off) is to ignore him completely. Now that would really hurt.

  10. Gloaming says:

    Why don’t GLAAD ask PH to apologize for outing gay men before they’re ready to come out?

    Or even ask him to apologize for posting x-rated pics of a gay guy with his boyf?

    He’s guilty of much more than using the ‘f’ word, and GLAAD have their priorities mixed up if this is their chief concern with him.

  11. HeHitMe says:

    He should apologize. He did nothing but harass Miss California on his blog, then he has the audicity to use that slur. His video describing his attack reminded me of that Leave Britney Alone video!!! What a wimp.

  12. Because I Say So says:

    Perez is one of the most vile, disgusting human beings. He’s like the Pamela Anderson of celebrity bloggers. I agree with most everyone that the best thing to do with him is to cut off his supply of attention. He helped to promote the idea of celebrity blogging, etc., but his use and time in the spotlight is clearly at an end. Besides, I thought that only the tweeners and other immature folks read his blog anyway?

  13. Rosalee says:

    It was going to happen sooner or later, someone was going to take a swipe at him for his hateful commentary. He mistakenly believed that he was untouchable or did not have to be accountable for his at times vicious and tasteless statements. As for GLAAD and the F word – I agree – a simple word can have many tones, and until you are defined by a word you will not understand the damage caused. I am also defined by a word that most would not consider significant but to me and my First Nations sisters the negative impact of this word cannot be defined.

  14. dubdub2000 says:

    How can one demand an apology? What value does the apology then have? If it’s for more form and PC crap (which is all GLAAD seems to be doing these days) then what the hell is the point?

    Btw they should come up with an internet video game like when Zidane head butted that italian dude, except there it would be your chance to sock Perez one: a guaranteed hit. That guy is an utter and complete waste of space. If you are not ready to throw down you best shut your mouth. Hope he learned THAT lesson.

  15. Fan of None says:

    GLAAD is riding this story just like Perez Hilton rides other peoples fame and/or misfortune…
    Karma punched him in the face, it hurt like hell, and it has a ripple effect like a sonic boom…
    Go, karma, go!

  16. Tazina says:

    He’s made anti-gay comments on his website, as well as accusing various celebrities of being gay and then taunting them (no doubt causing them extreme embarrassment) to come out of the closet. Then he yells gay slurs to a member of the Black Eyed Peas. The gay community should turn their backs on this gay self-loathng moron.

  17. dark says:

    He’s outfit in this article says everything. Period.

  18. mark says:

    He obviously hates himself for not fitting into his “own” culture! Not a model, Too fat, Horse Teeth “not even capped”! Etc etc etc.
    The fact that he used that slur says he hates his own identity. He has NO TALENT and makes his living like a parasite on those who CREATE instead of destroy.
    He gives all gays a bad name.

  19. Wresa says:

    “Why don’t GLAAD ask PH to apologize for outing gay men before they’re ready to come out?”

    I so agree with this statement. What right does he have to out people the way he does? How does he know what they are going through at that time in their life? He could really damage them by doing this.

    I do think putting a * in f*g is going a little far. I have gay friends that use the word and I don’t think it does anything to stop hate. In fact, it probably just pisses people off!

  20. Jazz says:

    GLAAD should ask Perez to apologize for being gay as he gives all gay people a bad name! His 15 minutes are up now surely?
    And he really should of read the advice on his pants and not worn them out of the house.

  21. westindya says:

    Perez likes to hold people hostage with the threat of putting their business in the street. He crossed the wrong person. He is such a dork. No shame!

    And he really shouldn’t be proud of himself.

  22. Cece says:

    I think the gay community should get classier gays for poster children. And why are gays ostracizing Ms Cali? She was honest and that’s a rarity. So she doesn’t agree. Do YOU agree with everything the person next you believes in?

  23. Zoe (The Other One) says:

    Oh puhlease, let’s not start censoring words on this site because GLAAD want us to…sweet bejaysus, what’s to become of us…

    We all hate Perez, fair enough, but let’s not start bowing down to what activists think we should and shouldn’t do. Censoring a word won’t stop people being ignorant.

  24. wow says:

    This word is a slur and it is considerate of CB to adjust their “writing” of it to “F*g” if they have to adress it – in the same way people adjust the slur “n*gger” instead of spelling it all out. Its just a way of reporting on the word used without using it.

    I agree with the posters that claim that its more of the “thoughts” than the actual words that causes the harm, but still I commend CB for their adjustment. It won’t stop stupid people from using the word, but it will help the site in reporting on these incidents without making it worse.

  25. Aspie says:

    Perez is such an ignorant douche!

    To call Will.i.am the f bomb and then turn around and insinuate that he’s a “thug” just because he defended his band and Fergie is completely ridiculous!

    He deserved everything negative in this fall out that has happened to him!

  26. Kerry says:

    I don’t believe for one second that Perez didn’t see this coming. He’s deliberately provocative and regardless of what he says, a punch in the face wasn’t that far of a stretch for the imagination. I don’t think he really cares that it came to that. He either intended to showcase this for hits or for wealth. Probably both. If I said something like that to JayZ I wouldn’t be surprised if his follow up comment landed right in my mouth. These dudes have security thick. In Perez’s line of work he has to be either delusional or a complete liar if he didn’t think their was a good chance this would happen. Either way he’s getting all the attention. As if he would prefer it to be any other way.

  27. alibeebee says:

    I dont like him hate his voice hate his face like he’s smellin something bad all the time. I think he acted like an ASS and dare i say it a P***Y celebs have feeling too. and you can report on the juice/ gossip but you dont have to get insulting and that is what he does.. I hate reading his blog so I dont bother I will not give this THING another ounce of FAME he does not deserve

  28. bored says:

    get over it GLAAD, sh@t happens when drunk people act like idiots outside of clubs.

  29. Sauronsarmy says:

    Somebody else suggested this “theory” is it possible that all of this is a publicity stunt? He apperently has another website coimg out so this could drum up some great publicity.

  30. gg says:

    Anything that spews forth from his vile mouth is obviously just whining and crying.

    GLADD should exile him as one of those whom they are trying to protect, as he is about as bad as the Ku Klux Klan as far as discrimination and abuse.

    SHAME ON YOU MARIO.

  31. connie says:

    an entertainment journalist that has a spot on my local radio made a good point: perez is no longer simply a commentator or blogger. He, other media outlets and whatever “fans” he may have have elevated himself into the spotlight, also claiming the title of celebrity (although from my point of view this term is used so loosely and undeservedly it is no longer something that i regard that highly). Unlike real journalists that don’t care what their subjects think, Perez does. He can’t have it both ways- trying to be friends with and one of the people that he continues to critisize. I think i speak with most people on this sight when i say that i hope to see his 15 minutes of fame run out

  32. Miss Wanderlust says:

    Very true comments from Mark & Hehitme ! PH indeed looks like Chris Crocker(leave Britney alone)drama queen…where is CC anyway ?
    He is one of the biggest hypocrites and narcists in the business….and that says a lot when it comes the entertainment industry !!!
    Criticizing Isaiah Washington & Miss California big time for their words but he is using it in a vile way when he feels like it, gay people have fought hard and long to be accepted and because of his actions he is not helping but hurting them !
    A so called big supporter of the gay community….HOW ???

    He did everything to destroy Britney when she had her mental issues and now he has a (small video)part in her tour ?
    Lady Gaga better watch out because she also sold her soul to the devil like Miss Spears….i’ll bet a big part of her fanbase are in the gay community.

    He should’nt have made that video yesterday because for somebody who didn’t like drama in his life he sure made a big production out off a small incident which he provoked himself ?
    It’s clear that he doesn’t love himself that’s why he has to insult and degrade other people in a vile way for there looks, loves & talents when he doesn’t have none of the above three ?
    In life everything changes and so will his(15 minutes of)fame….betcha he can’t handle it when everybody forgets him and looks for another way to get there kicks & publicity…..SAD !
    I am beginning to think that John Mayer was right when he joked about shutting him up for good by f*cking with him….and i’m not a big JM fan ???

    He also should apoligize to everyone for wearing that horrible outfit !!! My eye is falling out looking at it….LOL

  33. hunnybe says:

    to #24 don’t even try to compare what Perez said with the n-word.I understand that both words are offensive but there is a line.

  34. Kylie says:

    Well Hunnybe what is the difference?
    I find them both equally as disgusting as one another.
    If he said the N word imagine the drama!!!!
    But its ok to say the F word? NO WAY!!!!!!!!
    That word is full of hate just like that N word.

    Roll you eyes if you want. You know its true.

  35. Dana W. says:

    His over-stretched 15 minutes are up.

    God how I feel sorry for this hypocrite. He has issues, I bet he was constantly bullied as a child.

  36. Liz says:

    Mario Lavandera had it coming. In my opinion, he deserves more than just a punch.

    every atom in that creature’s body is hypocrisy.

  37. Gigohead says:

    Glad Mario’s getting it where it hurts! His own peeps is turning on him. Rightfully so. Perez outs gay celebrities like it’s duty to do so. It’s like McCarthy all over again. Leave people in peace.

    I was also appalled that he went ahead and published gay sex photos of Milk’s screenwriter (I forgot him name). Come on! Protect your own people, not put them to shame and spectacle for homophobes. I thought it was so tragic that Perez didn’t show some restraint and help lessen the embarrassment of this man.