News > Richard Belzer defends Jerry Lewis, was "joshing w/ his crew"
September 6, 2007
Written by John Lichman
In response to Jerry Lewis' rather off-color moment with the crew during his annual telethon, Law and Order: SUV star Richard Belzer weighs in at Huffington Post. In response to Lewis saying the slur:
In about the 18th hour of a 22 hour telethon, Jerry was joshing with his crew, (locker room humor is an age old harmless bonding between teammates, co-workers, firemen, police officers, soldiers etc) it was a teasing and harmless moment that did not have any vitriol or meanness involved. Again I was there and I defy anyone to doubt Jerry's limitless compassion. I know his apology was heartfelt and sincere; we all have moments of fleeting indiscretions that were totally without malice nonetheless offensive to some and of course people regret those moments.
Jerry needs no schooling in his love for humanity: in particular "Jerry's Kids" as he calls them. Americans are a forgiving people and Jerry's reservoir of goodwill has been and will be duly noted. I know in my heart he has already been forgiven not only by those who know him but no doubt the entire world.
