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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Formula 1 Execs Floored by Chief's Hitler Praise

Calls for boycott after Bernie Ecclestone hails Hitler for 'getting things done'

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(Newser) – Executives from the firm that owns Formula One are scrambling to do damage control after their racing boss praised Adolf Hitler as a man who could "get things done." When told the World Jewish Congress was calling for his resignation, billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, 78, also said it was a "pity they didn't sort the banks out," reports the Daily Mail. Ecclestone later apologized for his comments, but not soon enough to head off calls for a boycott of the race.

"No team should work with him any more. A boycott would be more than appropriate," said a spokesman for Germany's Central Council of Jews. CVC, the financial equity firm that owns Formula One, "was shocked at the comments, and we fully concur" with Ecclestone's "unreserved apology," said a company statement.

Bernie Ecclestone, who owns F1's commercial rights, attends a meeting at the FIA headquarters, in Paris last month.
Bernie Ecclestone, who owns F1's commercial rights, attends a meeting at the FIA headquarters, in Paris last month.   (AP Photo/Gareth Watkins, Pool)
F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone talks to the media as he arrives during free practice ahead the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack last month.
F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone talks to the media as he arrives during free practice ahead the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack last month.   (AP Photo/Max Nash)
F1 auto racing's boss Bernie Ecclestone answers questions before the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack, in Silverstone, England, last month.
F1 auto racing's boss Bernie Ecclestone answers questions before the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone racetrack, in Silverstone, England, last month.   (AP Photo/ Max Nash, file)
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8 comments
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nikkibong
Jul 8, 09 4:37 AM CDT
A moral idiot. He should be fired. Reply
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+1
psycada
Jul 8, 09 8:35 AM CDT
You can't fire the owner. Also, Gotta love the first amendment. "Although I disagree with what you said, I will defend to the death your right to say it." Reply
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Jul 8, 09 9:51 AM CDT
Seriously. What good would firing a billionaire do? The best thing would be to stop doing business with the guy.
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+4
schmidtkoff
Jul 8, 09 9:46 AM CDT
open mouth, insert foot. gag and spew out vitriol then choke on it when you issue a vapid apology. Reply
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+1
NotEvsie
Jul 8, 09 12:54 PM CDT
First it's Max Mosely and his (alleged) Nazi orgy with a couple of hookers.... Then the sport almost splits in two..... Now this? What the hell is going on in Formula 1? Reply
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+1

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More on Ecclestone's shocking interview
Daily Mail (UK)

Ecclestone's apology
Press Gazette

The interview that launched a controversy
Times (UK)


World  •  Business 
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Jews • Adolf Hitler • CVC • racing • Formula One • Nazi • Nazism • banking • anti-Semitism • Bernie Ecclestone • World Jewish Congress

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