Craig Ferguson Refuses To Do Spears Jokes

Talk Show Host Who Battled Alcoholism Takes Heat Off Of "Vulnerable" Pop Star

(CBS/AP)  Craig Ferguson decided not to poke fun at Britney Spears, at least for now.

Ferguson, host of "The Late Late Show" on CBS, told viewers Monday that after seeing photos of the bald female pop star, he reconsidered making jokes at the expense of the "vulnerable."

"Tonight, no Britney Spears jokes. Here's why: The kind of weekend she had, she was checking in and out of rehab, shaving her head, getting tattoos. That's what she was doing this weekend," he said on his show. "This Sunday I was 15 years sober. I didn't do it for anyone else but myself. I did it because it was an act of conscience. I'm amazed that not poking fun of somebody has become a news story."

"For me, comedy should have a certain amount of joy in it," Ferguson said. "It should be about attacking the powerful — the politicians, the Trumps, the blowhards — going after them. We shouldn't be attacking the vulnerable."

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Photos: Britney Spears

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Ferguson said that other comics like David Letterman, Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel are free to do whatever jokes they want, but in light of Anna Nicole Smith's death, he said people should realize that addiction isn't a joke.

"I think there's an edit button missing somewhere," Ferguson told E! entertainment news anchor and The Early Show correspondent Giuliana DePandi. "I think that as a society, we should look it up every now and again. I think that society, there's something, kinda social, socially lacking … I won't do this show for demographics, I won't do it for viewers, I certainly won't do it for money, as it turns out, because I work for CBS, this is about doing something that I have fun doing and I believe in doing."

Ferguson said he doesn't know if Spears is an alcoholic, but she is clearly suffering.

"I don't want to talk about sick people like that," he said.

Spears made headlines over the weekend when she shaved her head at a Los Angeles hair salon and then went to a tattoo parlor where she had a pair of lips put on her wrist. The appearance came the same day as reports on TV and Web sites that Spears had briefly checked into a rehabilitation center.

Despite the media frenzy that is surrounding Spears' demise, Ferguson said fans are responding well to the stand he has taken.

"Thousands of e-mails have come pouring into CBS with people saying, 'Good job,' " he said. "I would have done it anyway, though. You have to understand this. The other side of this, for CBS, that you have to understand, is, if this was a less popular stance, I'd still be taking it."

[cgesualdo]

And so I say, "good job." She may be responsible for her own problems, but it doesn't mean we should stand by and laugh at her as it happens. It happens to a lot of people. She just happens to be in the public eye. We need to leave her alone and let her get herself together.

[ademeyer]

Let's hope this signals a sea change in our society. I'm so sick of the tastelessness of our current pop culture...no standards, no propriety, no humanity.

[house015]

Looks like I'll be watching this guy's show!
It's nice to see a little more class, and a little less about Ms. Spears.

[heidiehen]

Finally, someone with manners says something. People who revel in another's problems have very serious problems themselves. It's called being a jerk and taking cheap and easy shots. No brilliance or intelligence required. Knocking someone when they are down is just not funny. It's amazing that the public needs this spelled out for them. Thank You, Craig Ferguson, for doing the right thing.

[heidiehen]

Finally, someone with manners says something. People who revel in another's problems have very serious problems themselves. It's called being a jerk and taking cheap and easy shots. No brilliance or intelligence required. Knocking someone when they are down is just not funny. It's amazing that the public needs this spelled out for them. Thank You, Craig Ferguson, for doing the right thing.

[j_flood]

Good man Craig - you are to be congratulated on your view. I'm in recovery too. The day before you celebrated 15 years I celebrated 30 years - so I know exactly what you are talking about.

And I agree that our sensitivity level has dropped way too low. Do we really have this thirst for *** like every detail of poor Anna Nicole or Britney - or is it the demon media? It will go lower. Each form of media now resembles more and more the terrible 'tabloid' media that was ridiculed by the elite news media in America. The NY Times, CBS, NBC, ABC and so on - all have taken more to the tabloid than away from it.

[heidiehen]

Finally, someone with manners says something. People who revel in another's problems have very serious problems themselves. It's called being a jerk and taking cheap and easy shots. No brilliance or intelligence required. Knocking someone when they are down is just not funny. It's amazing that the public needs this spelled out for them. Thank You, Craig Ferguson, for doing the right thing.

[heidiehen]

Finally, someone with manners says something. People who revel in another's problems have very serious problems themselves. It's called being a jerk and taking cheap and easy shots. No brilliance or intelligence required. Knocking someone when they are down is just not funny. It's amazing that the public needs this spelled out for them. Thank You, Craig Ferguson, for doing the right thing.

[chelluvsgod]

Hallelujah for someone to speak up as Craig did!!! If Britney or Anna Nicole were your daughter, would you want anyone poking fun and making jokes at their expense? It truly is sad how the media and talk show hosts revel in their ability to 'kick 'em when their down' and at their lowest. Society truly has forgotten to live by the Golden Rule.

[bigwhtpony]

A lefty with a conscience and some morals? Amazing.

[ssporleder]

A Hollywood celebrity with INTEGRITY?

This is the most amazing story to be printed in a long time.

Good for him!

[j_flood]

I think you'll find most people who are in recovery are more inclined to feel another's pain. Or at least empathize with the butt of all those jokes. Too many people are letting celebrity become too important in our society.

[sweetangel4u-2009]

It's about time! I'm so sick of all the media's same old lame jokes about the celeb's bad decisions.

Excellent job on the whole show! That's why his viewership is the show's highest rated ever! He's real, he's smart and he's funny!

[blaze718]

I feel the same way about making jokes about addictions. I am seventeen years sober myself and when I saw those clips on television I could feel her pain. I shaved my head not once but twice when I was drunk. Terrible feeling the next morning and then for months running around with no hair. Thats the least of it though. The girl needs some help not to be stepped on.
Michael Blaisdell
Bethel,Maine

[sharncedar]

Britney is a victim of the music industry -she was induced to sing s*xually suggestive songs as an underage teenage, milked for every drop of money as the recording industry got all the cash they could by exploiting her. Now they've dropped her to die, and will somehow blame "addiction". That's the American system of fame, beautiful isn't it.

[mswolfestock]

Thanks a million, Craig Ferguson. Thank you for being honest, thank you for showing some class. You are a great human being - thanks for setting a great example for us to follow. After all, "there but for the grace of God" go all of us.

[careyc21]

I am personally glad to know that at least someone out there in the media world understands that this woman is HUMAN and is just as entitled as the rest of us to make mistakes and screw up, the problem here is , is because of who she is its public instead of being private, which is the way it is for the rest of us we are able to heal and learn how to cope with what life throws at us. How can she when she has a CAMERA in her face 24/7 I mean geez the woman can not even take a Pi** in private with out a camera being right there, so EVERYTHING SHE DOES including smoking a cigerette gets so BLOWN up and way out of Proportion.

[innarobbins]

i thought I will never read story like that.... its about time....

[zeewot]

Sounds like partyguy51 could use some help himself. Clearly the words of someone in heavy denial. Great to hear Craig's insightful words. Very refreshing for someone in hollywood to speak so honestly and from the heart. Good job!

[julia43]

I agree that Craig Ferguson's position regarding Britney Spears is honest, decent and shows a high level of integrity on his part. I love the late night laughs as much as anyone, but the jokes seem to have taken a mean-spirited turn. The pain and suffering of another person should not be the source of humor under any circumstances. You go, Craig!!!

[merd0528]

Someone on television finally has given us a sincere comment on another human being without being worried about the numbers. Craig is a standup guy with a backbone. Great to hear that on the morning show. Put him on earlier!

[gerryram-2009]

good job, a fine
human, in did

[Dave & Carol]

Great job Craig! I'm glad you took a stand for decency.

[unclebuck14]

I applaud your stance on Britney Spears and other vulnerable people. We are becoming a mean spirited society and its about time someone takes the high road on this issue. I know you didn't take this stand for ratings but I am now a loyal fan.

[linfinster]

Another reason I like Craig!

[starman05265]

Craig Ferguson...the only late night host with a shred of class it appears...I've rarely watched your show..but you've just earned a convert..

[christiansin]

Craig Ferguson is the best of late night!

I'd much rather see Ferguson make fun of Trump's haircut. Brittney Spears has the excuse of temporary insanity to explain her bad haircut, but Trump chose his haircut while being of sound mind! That is much funnier!!!!!!

[lfmay-2009]

I've watched Craig's show for over a year despite the late hour- hey, hey, I can always sleep at work tomorrow. He's brilliant. I love his monologues- he's genuine. But, you don't understand another person's pain until you've been there- or someone in your family has. Thank goodness for people with a conscience. Craig is a true gentleman and a scholar.

[carmenroche]

Dear Craig,
I am a recovering alcoholic. I sincerely appreciate your honesty and funny things you admit too when you drank.
I really do admire your sincere care about
Britney Spears crisis. I heard your personal thoughts about her and more people should take this same stand about it. She is crying for help.
Thank you,
Carmen in Las Vegas
ps. When are you coming to Las Vegas ?

[mefs92]

I applaud you for your recent show refusing to make jokes about Britney Spears. Congratulations on your 15 year anniversary!

I thought that Craig avoiding the Spears jokes was very kind of him. It kind of makes one wonder what all is going on in her head. You could not pay me any amount of money to be a celebrity. I like my privacy, and they deserve their private moments just as well.

[tuckerndfw]

Craig Ferguson is one of the most entertaining & humorous (and intelligent) of all late night talk show hosts.

For those who did not see the show, he gave a very heart felt dialogue that including glimpses into his own life. He is an alcoholic who quit drinking many (15 ?) years ago. But, you could tell by his words that he feels deep empathy for others.

Having said that, entertainers seek out the spotlight. They have no legitimate complaints when the spotlight they seek also exposes their weaknesses & failures. The price of fame, as they same. Same goes for any public figure, including politicians.

But, I cannot understand why stories about entertainers and their antics are considered "news" anywhere but in the entertainment section.

I suppose my opinion doesn't carry much weight with "news" outlets.

[midman22]

Hundreds or thousands of recovering alcoholics and addicts who saw your monologue knew exactly what you were talking about. Thank you for the ever-so-subtle plug for the program that has saved our lives, and Happy Birthday! Viewers were treated to the best kind of AA talk: serious and funny, about experience, strength, and hope. About what we were like, what happened, and how we are now. Thank you, Craig, it was a great meeting! And we pray for the Britney who still suffers.

[uaintrightun]

Craig Ferguson is a great/funny man-he saved the drew carry show as far as im concerned.and for him to step up as he has done about the brittney speers junk=hats off mr ferguson,another fine job u have done

[oomah]

There is so much humility in this name! Thank you for not making Britney the butt of your jokes, and I hope and pray you will keep that stance! Two little guys are depending on their mommy and daddy to see them thru this crazy thing we call life...hopefully they will step up to the plate. It doesn't matter to them if their parents make 5.00 or 1 million and 5 and hour...they just want their mommy and daddy. These little guys just want their parents! Love the show and really loved it when I could watch faitfully, now my husband is a big fan! You know what really sucks...is that the times you have come to Vegas, I've had to work...could you possibly come this weekend while I'm off? My husband was at the All Stars Games all weekend...did you make it? That rocked! Hopefully, you can come back to Vegas before he retires from the Air Force in June! While there are a ton of headliners here as you well know, not many that we care to see but we LOVE Craig Ferguson! Thanks Craig for keeping it real! Unfortunately I work nights now so I'm not sure if you've gotten your citizenship yet dude, but if you have congrats if you have not, good luck and we will be proud to call you an American my friend! Take care. Know what our family loves best about you dude...it's that you are just you! Johna

[tuckerndfw]

Oomah,

I watched Mr. Ferguson's show last night and he mentioned his (lack of) US citizenship.

He made his usual political comments, after which he made jokes about being denied citizenship.

He is one of the best, if not the best.

[cj7jeepstir]

Kudos to Craig Ferguson. We need more compassion and caring in our world, sometimes even for "celebrities." I've never been a fan of Spears, but I don't believe in kicking someone when they're down. She's never done anything to hurt anyone that I'm aware of.

[tamarahs]

Bravo. I'm a big fan, and now an even bigger one who is not surprised at all at his stance. Congratulations on 15 years!

[lana817-2009]

Thanks Craig for setting a stage of pure class for others to follow.

[orchardbelle]

LOVE YOUR SHOW!!!! I applaud you for not tearing the little princess down. My ex-husband was an alcoholic, he since died from it, never even reached 50. Congrats to you, Happy Birthday!! We're all in this thing together....too bad others take delight in ripping apart another in the name of "entertainment" Keep up the good work, I watch faithfully every night.

[eileen811]

Good for you Craig Ferguson, for taking a stand and for speaking from your heart. My dad (who was very good natured)was an Alcoholic as well as several of my siblings and when my dad was trying to get sober too many people poked fun at him and us. It is not funny.

Thank you for being transparent - you will always be our favorite. You are REAL not fake and we love that about you!

We are praying for you!

[christinew5]

Great job Mr. Ferguson. I have only started watching your show within the past few weeks, and your refusal to stoop to everyone else's level has only made me a bigger fan of the show. I've been in recovery 12 1/2 years, and believe me,substance abuse/addiction is no laughing matter. Congrats on your 15 years as well.

[agnim]

Furgeson can't be that funny, never heard of him before this tear-jerking stance on behalf of his beloved addiction. LOL

If Britney shaking Spears has an addiction problem it is because the same attention she has craved over the years have done her in.

The media morons made fun of her husband over the few insignificant dollars he did not have, when all along he was helping to provide something Britney needed and which her millions of dollars can't buy -- STABILITY!

K-Fed may not have the million$; but K-Fed is not the one acting strange and in rehab!

The dollar worshipers in the media planted into Britney's air head the silliness that her dollars were more important than the K-Fed's presence!
This even when he's THE FATHER OF HER CHILDREN and who should be around for their well being.

[twiggy40]

Craig Fergusan has class. I personally wish there where more americans and people in the entertainment industry that would stand up and do what they think is right. He say's it is about looking in the mirror. Poking fun is great but there is something to be said for "kicking people when they are down and hurting" I appreciate his integrity and class.
I personally am embarrassed at our society today. It may be free, but our character and moral values are declining. This is of course my opinion.

[agnim]

"Craig Fergusan has class.

Posted by twiggy40 at 03:48 PM : Feb 22, 2007"

Yes, he has "class", "class" at the rehab. LOL

What we have here is a recovering addict looking out for another.

Without his rehab "class", and if he ever gets clean again, he'll just resort to 'being himself' AGAIN! LOL

[brucehaldane]

This is a very poignant, human and exceptionally insightful monologue. I respect him for revealing his own plight 15 years ago when he was vulnerable too. He cuts to the quick by highlighting that comediens today are spending too much time on the soft, easy targets and profiting from, and adding to, others' misery rather than vilifying those weilding their power irresponsibly who are damaging the country rather than just themselves. Craig is a great comedian, and so much more.

[brucehaldane]

This is a very poignant, human and exceptionally insightful monologue. I respect him for revealing his own plight 15 years ago when he was vulnerable too. He cuts to the quick by highlighting that comediens today are spending too much time on the soft, easy targets and profiting from, and adding to, others' misery rather than vilifying those weilding their power irresponsibly who are damaging the country rather than just themselves. Craig is a great comedian, and so much more.

[setplay13]

Craig, I have to admit, your monologues ALWAYS make me cry (tears of laughter, that is)...but the one where you "came clean" on how we shouldn't "laugh at the vulnerable" touched me so much! It's nice to see public figures such as yourself (you're a STAR in MY book) can still have a heart. I love to laugh...but as you said "at what expense." And I think that's the thing we ALL need to ask ourselves. As I tell my children (most of them adults now)...if only ONE person is laughing when you "tease" someone, at THAT person is you...it's NOT A JOKE! Thank you for taking a public stand and revealing so much of yourself in the process. I KNOW you touched other alcoholics or recovering alcoholics (managing alcoholics, as you may call yourself). And YES, we all know one, many usually. My favorite Uncle Emmett, sweetes guy you'd ever want to know, died in his 40's because of complications due to alcoholism. I love you for what you said. You RAISED THE BAR for other celebraties and talk show hosts, as well. I can only hope they follow your lead.
Bravo, Craig..

Your Biggest Fan,
Sandy

[doberlin]

Way to go Craig - we'll hold you to "laying off the vulnerable"! Go after Trump, Shrub & Cheney, Rosie, Barker, etc. all you want! Appreciate your staying away from Britney, the whold Anna Nicole thing, and the like. There are many more inportant things that should be of our concern.

Love your show, how about getting Craig Kilborne back for an interview some time? After all, you say "nobody's watching anyhow"!

Dave
SF Bay Area

[dmconnor1]

Craig - Sorry to say, this is the first time I've seen any part of your show - and your story brought tears to my eyes. I've actually just watched it for the second time. I'll be 22 years sober this April Fool's Day. I'm also a big 11th tradition nut, and when I realized what you were doing, it pissed me off a bit at first. But I've never seen anyone skirt the 11th tradition quite as deftly as you did, and you have my full approval. Thanks so much for your inspiring and heartfelt message. Wouldn't surprise me if you sent a few people looking in the front of the phone book.
Best regards,

Michael C.