Sandra Bernhard Pulled From Benefit For Palin Gang-Rape Joke

Sandra Bernhard might say she meant Sarah Palin “no harm” when she suggested in September that the VP nominee would be “gang-raped by her big black brothers” if she stepped foot in Manhattan, but the Boston women’s shelter Rosie’s Place still isn’t laughing. Bernhard has been pulled from headlining an upcoming benefit for the charity. ” “We don’t think violence against women is a laughing matter,” said P.R. director Leemarie Mosca.

Bernhard has responded that’s she’s “terribly upset” and that “In no way am I making any sort of joke about crimes against women — quite the contrary. I’m speaking out about someone who doesn’t do enough to protect women,” Bernhard said. “I think if you look at the real issues I’m addressing, my intent becomes clear.”

Maybe Bernhard needs to realize that even if your intent is to criticize someone who defines feminism as believing “women certainly today have every opportunity that a man has to succeed,” it’s incredibly facetious to say that a joke that crests around the idea of a woman being sexually assaulted isn’t “a joke about crimes against women.” But hey, if you want to cry victim because a woman’s shelter thinks you’re tasteless, go ahead.

[Photo: Getty Images]