589 Backpedaling Words From Perez Hilton
24 June 2009, 1:32 AM. By Cindy Casares
Perez Hilton has issued a statement AGAIN regarding the altercation between him and Black Eyed Peas manager Polo Molina. It’s 589 little nuggets of bullshit. Basically he realizes that he is a hypocrite for calling Will.i.am a “faggot” and for having laughed at other celebrities in the past when they got their asses kicked, but he has “come to terms with his incongruities” and would like you to do the same:
Clearly, I am not homophobic. Also, I am not nor have I ever claimed to be a spokesperson for the gay community. I’ve come to terms with all my incongruities and am proud of who I am and what I do. In closing, [We wish! He goes on for about 300 more words.] words can hurt. But words should not provoke someone to violence. [T]here was an instance last year when actor Jesse Metcalfe was attacked outside of a Hollywood nightclub by a fellow entertainer. I did not condone the violence, but I did make light of that situation. I regret that. Sincerely. There are many ways to deal with disagreements, both good and bad, but violence is never the answer.
Well, isn’t that convenient.
A New Statement from Perez Hilton [Perez Hilton]
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With this whole debacle, one thing that needs to be pointed out is that “fighting words” are not protected speech as the Supreme Court has determined in numerous cases. Yelling “fire” when there is no fire solely for the purpose of inciting panic or fear is not protected speech. Perez said it himself in his video statement, he thought of the worst thing he could think of to insult Will.i.am, and that was hate speech, which is also not protected speech.
Words have the power to incite reactions. While I don’t condone violence, Perez provoked the attack with the use of hate speech. In the “Pricks And Stones: Words You Can And Cannot Use” article you make an excellent point about how the meaning of words can change when the group takes them back. I completely agree with everything you wrote and that’s what Perez needs to realize. His use of the word wasn’t reclaiming it. It was hate. And that is unforgivable and most certainly not protected.
This has to be the most insightful analysis of the Perez/Will.i.am situation I have heard so far. “Guest” would be great to know who you are and have you contribute more regularly with comments like these.