Comedian Artie Lange lived the Kübler-Ross model (and then some) after his racially and sexually charged Tweets about an ESPN reporter.
Lange, a comedian known for his skits on MADtv, his roles in movies like "Elf" and "Old School," and for his sidekick role on "The Howard Stern Show," was watching ESPN on Wednesday night, and well, he Tweeted his, um, “appreciation” for ESPN2’s “First Take” personality, Cari Champion.
Lange did not take down the tweets in question, which can still be read on his official Twitter page.
They say the first stage is denial. Lange was scheduled to appear on “@Midnight” on Comedy Central and he promoted his appearance between arguments with angry Tweeps and cyber high-fives from supporters.
I'm on @midnight tonight at Midnight on Comedy Central with @nerdist Check it out. With @JimNorton & @kurtmetzger — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
Lange started to explain why what he said was funny. He’s a comedian. He does observational humor. (Like Jerry Seinfeld, you know).
I'm about to tweet a few things I can't believe have to be explained in a rational world. I observed that @CariChampion was a gorgeous lady — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
This observation came while I was watching one of my favorite tv shows ESPNs First Take. I also noticed she was black. — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I then thought it would be funny to tweet JOKES about that observation. A decision which might be the end of modern comedy
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I tweeted jokes that in the past I would've said in privately in my home among friends. I know black women who could join me and handle it — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I won't debate if the tweets were funny. That could take minutes of precious time left in my career. The issue is do they warrant an apology — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
Bargaining came before anger for Lange when things started to crash. Apologies started appearing on his feed.
So that's a NO. But if it upset the lady in question that's another story. Let me say to @CariChampion if this hurt u in any way I'm sorry — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
The consequences reared after public backlash... even his mama wasn't happy.
I'm a comedian. Sometimes I'm funny! For the record my moms disgusted w the tweets. But if I based my humor on my mom I'd be broke
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
They're now telling me I can't appear on @Midnight tonight cause of the pressure they're getting from these groups. — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
But who cares. I love the show & it's my living but who cares. These groups have won again. All I care about is @CariChampion Truly — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
And here comes the anger…
But I'm sure you'll be ok. You're gorgeous & talented. I hope that didn't offend u. To the PC army. Congrats! U won again! Gluten free cake! — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
I've been asked not to appear on @midnight & uve ruined any chance I had at dating @CariChampion (That was a joke). I'm not racist.
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
Not sure where Kübler-Ross would put this next Tweet:
Now that we're all cool again. Zoe Saldana is f---n hot! — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
For the record I'm a fan of @midnight & @nerdist I respect whatever decision they make. I know they're under pressure — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
So far my favorite tweet is the guy who thinks I'm a correspondent for ESPN & demands they fire me! It's fun wasting time arguing with him — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
It's official. Comedy Central will not let me on @midnight Comedy Central has always been good to me & I don't blame them. Not worth it!
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
It seems that Lange was vindicated… for a while.
It's official. I will be at The Village Underground on W3rd street tonight at 10pm to tape Racewars podcast w Sherrod Small & Kurt Metzger — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
Props to Racewars for having me on. Good guys. Good friends — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 5, 2014
Amid the hate, Lange did have some supporters to prop him up during the attack.
@chrisrock slammed for 9/11, Boston jokes.@artiequitter attacked for twitter jokes, @billmaher attacked,obvious PC groups want comedy gone — Tim McCane (@mccanehd) November 5, 2014
Dear Politically Correct Elite, Be grateful @artiequitter exist. Without him, we wouldn't know how much better humans y'all are than us
— The Grand Poobah (@TheGurusClub) November 5, 2014
Reality (the “depression” stage) set in and Lange realized that his words were more than just jokes to some people.
Ok guys just talked to a black woman who's a new friend of mine. She told me some of my "fans" threatened her life today. — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 6, 2014
I've gotta take that seriously. So my apologies extend to bigger group of ppl. If that's true and it is cuz she's no liar I have to think — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 6, 2014
Lange arrived at acceptance.
I have to take jokes like the ones I made more seriously. Cuz I want no part of that awful bullshit. Not what I'm about. — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 6, 2014
I'm sorry to whoever was hurt by the tweets. I will keep some jokes to myself. It's a different world. Thx guys and thx to my new friend Pia
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 6, 2014
I hate that we have to cater to idiots but the thought of some woman scared for her well being cuz of a joke is something I can't stand — Artie Lange (@artiequitter) November 6, 2014
ESPN initially made a statement on Wednesday to Sports Illustrated, saying, "His comments were reprehensible and no one should be subjected to such hateful language. They objectify and demean one of our valued employees under the thin guise of 'comedy' and are offensive to all of us. We will not dignify them with any other comment."
A Twitter campaign #iSupportCari has been started, but Cari Champion has yet to respond. Her last Tweet from @carichampion was from Nov. 4.
A representative from ESPN has since told TMZ that "there will be no future bookings" on ESPN for Lange.
