Wayne Brady Takes Responsibility for the Joke

I am grateful that comedian Wayne Brady has now taken responsibility for the cruel down syndrome joke referencing Trip Palin. Here is the text of his letter from his Facebook page.

This letter has taken me a few days to compose because of the conflicting emotions that I've experienced since the day of the Roast and it's subsequent airing. The environment of the Roast is a comedic (hopefully), tasteless (mostly always), affair that encourages everyone to out-filth each other. Not normally what I'm known for, right? But, when I was invited, I jumped at the chance to play outside of my perceived "norm" and have fun. The Jeff joke was written for me and at the end of the day I take full responsibility for saying it. It wasn't meant as a slam to Trig and at the time I didn't see it that way.

I could defend it as a performer, but I would rather apologize from the bottom of my heart as a father. I understand how a parent, who loves their child, who tries to nurture and shield them when they cannot defend themselves, would take offense.. I have many times experienced this feeling. I've had awful things said about my daughter.. Violent and most times racial stabs. Being in the spotlight I have built a thick skin to these sorts of things. My daughter ( who's now old enough to understand ) is another story. That being said I write this letter with sensitivity and a strong stance of responsibility for my actions.

I thank everyone who's expressed their opinion for reminding me that my voice is heard... It's easy to forget sometimes in front of cameras and lights.

To the Palins, please know that no malice or harm was meant. To the other families who were touched negatively, I hope you'll be able to accept this apology as well.

I've always said that people in the public eye should be held responsible for what you say and I'm no hypocrite. Thanks for reading and letting me express my side.

Take care all,
Wayne

I am glad his role as a father made him realize that he had to take responsibility for his actions. I truly hope that Mr. Brady finds that his best success as a performer comes on programs that are clean and wholesome, not raunchy and in the gutter.

It reminds me of the story Mel Brooks once told about John Wayne. Mr. Brooks, after he wrote the script for Blazing Saddles, convinced John Wayne to read the script because he wanted the part of Taggard, played by Slim Pickens, to originally go to John Wayne. John Wayne declined, admitting the script was funny, but that he just could not play the part because it was "too dirty" and did not fit with his wholesome screen image. That is certainly something to be respected. I certainly have to say I love old John Wayne movies, and knowing he had this kind of wisdom makes me love his memory even more!

Therefore, I hope Wayne Brady decides that future career choices avoid the raunchier side of comedy in favor of the kind of comedy people originally came to love him doing like his performances on Whose Line Is It Anyway.

Again, thank you Mr. Brady for your apology. 

Gregory A. Yankey
A Proud Father of a Beautiful Little Girl
and Two Handsome Boys!

My Letter to Sesame Street Concerning Futher Employment of Mr. Wayne Brady

I wrote this letter below to Sesame Street, and encourage others to do the same.

Dear Executives of Children's Television Workshop and Creators of Sesame Street:

I am a father of a beautiful little girl born on May 26, 2012. My daughter happens to have Trisomy 21, commonly known as Down Syndrome. You probably are aware that this is a chromosomal abnormality when a third chromosome is attached to the twenty-first pair of chromosomes. The result is developmental delay and can cause numerous other health concerns. We are fortunate that major health concerns like a severe heart or gastrointestinal condition have not manifested themselves. But as with most of these children, developmental concerns are expected.

I grew up watching Sesame Street and have always been a great fan and supporter of the program. My older sons who are 6 years old and 5 years old watch the program regularly as well. They especially love the Elmo and Cookie Monster characters. I have purchased numerous products with Sesame Street licensing for my children. I wholeheartedly would love to see the program go on for many years. I have fond memories of Sesame Street as a child.

One of the great things about Sesame Street is its educating children on diversity and understanding of others. That is why it is with great concern that I write this letter to you.

I am writing to express my concerns about any possible future participation of comedian Wayne Brady in Sesame Street episodes. I know Mr. Brady has participated in several episodes in the past.

I am sure you all are aware that Mr. Brady participated in Comedy Central’s recent roast of comedian Rosanne Barr. I am also certain that you are aware that Mr. Brady used the youngest child of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin—a 4-year-old named Trig Palin, a child with Trisomy 21—in a joke implying that Trig will be an ugly 40-year-old. No matter the political views of any public figure, I believe a joke like this was nothing short of cruelty not only to young Trig Palin, but to his parents, and the entire community of people with Down Syndrome. Even though roasts are often characterized by mean spirited jabs, I believe a 4-year-old child with a disability and his mother—even if she is a political figure—should never be a part of it.

My concern is that Mr. Wayne Brady does not represent the values of the Sesame Street program which has consistently encouraged diversity and understanding of all kinds of people. I believe it would be a mistake and grievous insult to the Down Syndrome community and those who support them, if Sesame Street continued to employ or allow Mr. Brady to appear on any further programs until he has made a public apology for his remarks. Furthermore, I believe Mr. Brady should be asked by those who have employed him at Sesame Street to make amends to the Down Syndrome community by volunteering at and/or sponsoring one or several of their events as a condition of further employment on Sesame Street. If Wayne Brady were to appear on any further programs without any of these amends, the integrity of Sesame Street will be seriously damaged in the eyes of many people.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,
Gregory A. Yankey
Proud Father of a Beautiful Little Girl

First Time Apart

Tonight will be the first time we leave Catherine with a babysitter. It is Elisabeth's 20 year class reunion tonight. Elisabeth's parent's are coming over to watch them while we go out. Today we had all the kids with us for the family portion of the reunion. The boys were introduced to ping pong in the Bishop Kelley commons. They liked it, but what a hot day for a reunion with a tour of a high school not being totally cooled off in the summer! I think it was 112 degrees F. Even Catherine was more comfortable sitting in her car seat rather than being held.