Jacko Wants Apology for IRA Joke

Singer wants apology for 'disgusting slur'

By Evann Gastaldo, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2009 8:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – Michael Jackson was “appalled” after BBC comedians compared him to the IRA, and he wants an apology, the Mirror reports. Just days after three IRA-related murders, the comedians noted that both Jacko and the terrorist organization are “80s celebrities” making a surprise comeback. “To compare him to cold-blooded murderers is not funny, it is highly offensive,” said a source. Jacko has complained to his concert promoters.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this 2007 file photo, Michael Jackson poses on the red carpet during the RainbowPUSH Coalition Los Angeles 10th annual awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, file)

Michael Jackson announces that he is set to play ten live concerts at the London O2 Arena in July, which he announced at a press conference at the London O2 Arena, Thursday, March 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I can’t believe which 80s celebrities I want back less. Michael Jackson or the IRA. - BBC Radio 4's The Now Show's Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Getty Images

White Grandfather Cuffed for Walking With Black Granddaughter (NewsOne)

Man in Mugshot Explains Why He Has Half a Head (HuffPost)

These Exes Were Spotted Making Out … and That's a Bad Thing (Bleacher Report)

Help! I'm Having an Incestuous Relationship With My Twin (Slate)

Proof that Twitter Users are Sexier Than Facebook Users? (GeekSugar)

Partner Links

A snapshot of the day's best news stories.

View Larger Grid

All Today Yesterday Pick a Date

COMMENTS

Read the comment policy

Showing 3 of 4 comments

NxBigmouthery

Mar 24, 2009 7:47 AM CDT

It sounds a pretty dodgy joke, but surely more offensive to the families of people who've recently been murdered by the 'Terrorists formerly known as the IRA'. Maybe they should have a symbol like Prince did. A tiny penis would suffice. I think those guys are just the leftover pinhead thugs who couldn't get real jobs.

Robert_Dada

Mar 20, 2009 3:41 AM CDT

I want an apology for his awful music.

Rob

Mar 20, 2009 2:32 AM CDT

Why don't we just compare him to an 80's pedophile and be done with it.

What's Popular Now on Facebook

Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds Major Cash Inside

Study Finds Arsenic in Baby Formula, Cereal Bars

Daily Mirror (UK) (Source Grid »)

Audience complained before Jacko
Sunday Mirror (UK)

Comedians' official site
BBC

Celebrity • Entertainment

BBC • celebrity • terrorist • IRA • Michael Jackson • comedian • comeback • controversy • Howard Stern Grid

More Newser Stories

Jacko Adds Elephant to Concert Cast

Plus, auction moves forward, glove on display

(NEWSER) - Yesterday it was a riverboat, today it’s an elephant. Michael Jackson wants to take the stage at his London concerts atop a magnificent jungle beast, the Daily Mirror reports. And that’s not all: Jacko also wants “panthers led on gold chains," said an insider. "Parrots and other birds will fly behind him." Oh, and 100 Masai warriors, of course. “He hopes to make it the most spectacular gig ever,” said the source. More»

Rejoice! Jacko Is Backo

And at least one writer is overjoyed

(NEWSER) - Just admit it: You’re thrilled the King of Pop is touring again—if not, Dan Abramson thinks you should be, and cops to his own unbridled excitement in the Huffington Post. So Michael Jackson is a weirdo—who cares? The man regularly causes people to pass out: “MJ could just walk backwards and people would go down.” More»

Michael Jackson Comeback in the Works

MJ back in the studio with high-profile advisers

(NEWSER) - The King of Pop is cooking up what one TV pundit calls "the biggest comeback since Lazarus," the Observer reports. After years of legal and financial woes and self-imposed exile, the Gloved One is forging new material and planning a possible concert tour, reportedly collaborating with pop culture icons like Will.i.am and American Idol creator Simon Fuller. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Jacko Wants Apology for IRA Joke