Don Rickles’ Obama joke cut from TV broadcast of Shirley MacLaine tribute

TV Land has announced that a controversial joke, told by legendary insult comic Don Rickles, will not appear during the television broadcast of the American Film Institute’s tribute to Shirley MacLaine. “President Obama is a personal friend of mine,” said Rickles, adding, “He was over to the house yesterday, but the mop broke.” (EDIT because some didn’t get the joke: Rickles is implying that Obama is his janitor, which has racial connotations.) While Rickles’ spokesman, as well as fellow comedian Jim Norton, were quick to defend the 86-year-old comedian, many others are happy to hear that the joke won’t make it on-air. So, what do you think? Did TV Land make the right call? (Photo by Gary Dunaier) source

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