Tracy Morgan continues his mea culpa after unleashing a vitriolic, on-stage anti-gay rant. The 30 Rock star visted the Ali Forney Center in Brooklyn to hear the stories of homeless LGBT teens rejected by their families.
Nineteen-year-old Raciel Castillo said his own father rejected him for being gay when he came out at age 12, sending him to therapy to “fix him” and eventually putting him out on the street. Castillo told his story to Morgan, as did Jayden Love [above], 20 years old, also shut out by her family [and] forced to live in an amusement park in New Jersey where she worked.
Also on hand was Elke Kennedy, whose son Sean died in an anti-gay attack in South Carolina in 2007.
Morgan spent an hour with the group, eventually leaving in tears, said [Carl Siciliano, executive director of the Ali Forney Center]. Those on hand told the Journal that they believe the comedian sincerely wants to heal his rift with the gay community. He did not make any comments to the press.
Love said she wanted to help him realize the sheer enormity of the homeless problem for gay and lesbian youth, who are more likely than straight kids to end up on the streets or commit suicide. "I told him what a low place I had been in without parents to help me," Love said. "I think he was really shocked."
The comedian caused a huge uproar after ranting on-stage in Nashville that he would stab his son to death if he were gay. Morgan said his remarks were "really stupid s---" and promised to meet with LGBT youth.Morgan is scheduled to travel to Tennessee with GLAAD next week to meet with LGBT activists.
Bravo.
well, he's trying. it could be genuine or he just trying to save his career. i'll give him the benefit of the doubt so far
Posted by: fff | 18 June 2011 at 13:40
fff,
I was having a moment of thought that sounded JUST LIKE THAT but given the way that Weiner drug us through the mud for weeks before fessing up, I really do respect that at least Morgan's response to his own foolishness has been swift AND public. I am trying to unwrap my brain around what he said and listen to his heart, which is BOTH trying to save his job, but more importantly, I think, his NYC reputation, which according to Tina Fey and the staff over at 30 ROCK, includes a life that is supported by lots of LGBT folks!
BLESS IT!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 18 June 2011 at 13:55
At first, I was like why even apologize because you had a come to Jesus moment with your boss, and they broke him down...but after observing what he has done since he apologized..that is what sets Tracy Morgan away from the others who say homophobic remarks and comments..I believe this has actually changed him.
Posted by: DeVon Thomas | 18 June 2011 at 13:58
I agree De Van. Of all the African American celebrities that have gone on homophobic rants and then later made public apologies (i.e. Kobe Bryant), Tracy Morgan is one of the rare ones that has taken it a step further than just simply doing a PSA on "offensive and derogatory remarks, aimed at others". He has put himself in the personal space of those he hurt and is attempting to understand why what he said was so damaging. Very good damage control. I too hope this is from his heart...
Posted by: C. McCall | 19 June 2011 at 02:56
He TOTALLY looks like he isn't interested in being there. I think we should stop forcing him to pay for something that he won't change.
Posted by: thegayte-keeper | 19 June 2011 at 17:39