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Katrina telethon draws stars; can they speak out?
Reuters ^

Posted on 09/08/2005 8:46:40 AM PDT by Millee

Recording stars Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, Paul Simon, Neil Young and the Dixie Chicks will headline a telethon for Hurricane Katrina victims slated to air this week on six major U.S. networks and around the world, producers said on Wednesday.

But it was not clear whether they or any of the other celebrities booked for Friday's event, including comedian Chris Rock and movie star Jack Nicholson, will be permitted to freely express their opinions during the show or required to stick to the script.

The question arose after impromptu remarks last Friday by rapper Kanye West, who used his appearance on a similar NBC network broadcast to accuse President George W. Bush of racism in the government's relief effort.

"George Bush doesn't care about black people," West said, adding criticism of the media's portrayal of blacks.

Kanye's comments were carried on NBC's live feed to the East Coast and central time zones but were cut from the tape-delayed broadcast aired on the West Coast and mountain regions. NBC said West had deviated from his script and that "his opinions in no way represent the views of the network."

The General Electric Co.-owned broadcaster is one of the six major networks planning to simulcast a separate live, commercial-free special this Friday, titled "Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast."

The hour-long event also will be carried by numerous U.S. cable channels and broadcast in more than 100 countries, organizers said. Proceeds will go to disaster relief efforts of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Although West was absent from the lineup of performers announced for the show, a spokeswoman for producer Joel Gallen told Reuters that West was slated to make a live appearance.

But she and two other spokesman for the show all said they did not know what, if any, steps producers would take to censor or curb political statements celebrity participants might make. One NBC spokesman said a decision about a possible time delay for the live broadcast had not been made.

A number of stars on the bill, including the Dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow, Chris Rock and Neil Young, are known for their outspoken views on political and social issues.

A spokeswoman for MTV, which is planning to air yet a third all-star telethon for hurricane relief, said the cable music channel "does not censor artists." She added West was slated to perform in a pre-taped segment for the MTV special.


TOPICS: Music/Entertainment; TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: mcpeepants
Sure, let them speak out. Then sit back and giggle when their movies/albums tank.
1 posted on 09/08/2005 8:46:40 AM PDT by Millee
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To: Millee

You would think that celebrities would take a clue from Johnny Carson and keep your political views quiet. From what I've heard, Carson was very liberal but he never let that show on his show and he lasted 29 years.


2 posted on 09/08/2005 8:58:56 AM PDT by Maximus of Texas (On my signal, unleash hell.)
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To: Millee

It's more like, "Can they keep their mouths shut?" Doubt it! Wanna bet on wno says the biggest whopper? I'm thinking it'll be Cherly "eat" Crowe!


3 posted on 09/08/2005 9:02:38 AM PDT by Conservative Texan Mom (Happy to Homeschool)
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To: Millee
They should be encouraged to express their views as often and as publicly as possible. Makes our work so much the easier!
4 posted on 09/08/2005 9:10:32 AM PDT by meowmeow (Meow! Meow!)
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To: Millee
But it was not clear whether they or any of the other celebrities booked for Friday's event...will be permitted to freely express their opinions during the show or required to stick to the script.

That depends on whether the goal of this celebfest is to raise money for the hurricane victims or to be yet another 'Bush Bash'.

5 posted on 09/08/2005 9:11:08 AM PDT by Antonello
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To: meowmeow
They are only preaching to the(M)asses.
Anyone pissed off enough from the Bush Bashing to not give, like myself are not going to give.
These dolts are only going to hurt the cause.
P.S. All these looters are getting $2000 debit cards as well as the people in genuine need.
I give every day at the IRS. But then I'm cynical.
6 posted on 09/08/2005 9:23:03 AM PDT by Brainhose (THINK OF THE KITTENS!)
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To: Millee

They are free to say anything they please, and people who don't like what they say are free to change the channel and ignore their fundraising efforts.

It just goes to show that any number of these cretins only want free publicity and a national soapbox. They don't care how many would-be donors they drive away with their blatherings, so they see no need to trouble themselves with pesky things like discretion, self-control, diplomacy, or good manners. Like Crazy Cindy, everything is ALL ABOUT THEM.


7 posted on 09/08/2005 9:45:12 AM PDT by Cecily
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To: Brainhose

What you said.


8 posted on 09/08/2005 9:48:22 AM PDT by randog (What the....?!)
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To: Cecily
They don't care how many would-be donors they drive away with their blatherings...

Three-quarters of the "headline" acts have already driven me away. You'd think the morons producing the telethon would realize that their lineup caters and appeals to, at best, maybe 20% of the population.

9 posted on 09/08/2005 9:51:41 AM PDT by randog (What the....?!)
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To: windcliff

Haven't we all suffered enough?


10 posted on 09/08/2005 9:56:22 AM PDT by stylecouncilor
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To: stylecouncilor

Who would actually watch this concert?


11 posted on 09/08/2005 10:18:52 AM PDT by windcliff
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To: Millee

Besides the others, Alicia Keys is known to have said, "When I see the American flag, I see a flag of lies." Great lineup. Not a dime.


12 posted on 09/08/2005 10:36:46 AM PDT by Rastus (Year 7: Harry Potter and the Heartbreak of Psoriasis)
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To: Rastus
Alicia Keys is known to have said, "When I see the American flag, I see a flag of lies."

THAT'S disappointing! I like her voice & considered ordering her CD. Not now though.
13 posted on 09/08/2005 10:39:42 AM PDT by Millee (Earth First! We'll log the other planets later!)
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To: Millee

Sorry. Well, if it makes you feel better, she's been posing in front of American flags lately. I guess to make up, I don't know.


14 posted on 09/08/2005 10:43:07 AM PDT by Rastus (Year 7: Harry Potter and the Heartbreak of Psoriasis)
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To: Brainhose
You could donate to one of the groups rescuing animals.
Like your tagline says...

THINK OF THE KITTENS!

15 posted on 09/08/2005 5:28:03 PM PDT by meowmeow (Meow! Meow!)
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