Red Eye w/ Greg Gutfeld
ControversiesPolitical proxy vs. destructive force
In a September 28, 2010, Rolling Stone article, President Barack Obama stated that Greg Gutfeld's network, Fox News Channel, has a "point of view that I think is ultimately destructive for the long-term growth of a country that has a vibrant middle-class."[80][81] Red Eye host Greg Gutfeld responded to Obama's political comments with his following September 29, 2010 Greg-alogue:[82][83]
"Okay. So, you're the President of the United States, with both houses under your control. You also have the most fawning press of any president in the history of the Universe. And yet you let Fox News Channel get under your skin, because it’s the only network that doesn’t have a 'thrill up its leg'?[note 1] Obama is like a sports team who owns the Ref, the fans and the field, but refuses to play ball until the kid in the 10th row stops chewing gum."
Then Gutfeld advanced the theory that President Obama uses Fox News as a proxy for those Americans who do disagree with his policies:[83]
"And this is why the Crybaby-in-Chief needs us. It provides cover, so Obama can criticize Americans without ever saying 'those Americans.' He can just say Fox News instead. One thing is for sure: If you go after a collection of talking-heads, you're going to get an earful back. And if you disagree with me, you're a racist, homophobic, taurophobe."
Canadian military lampooned – demands apology
In a five-minute segment broadcast on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, Gutfeld and his panel discussed Canadian Lieutenant General Andrew Leslie's statement that the Canadian military may require a one year "synchronized break" once Canada's mission in Afghanistan ends in 2011.[84] "Meaning, the Canadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white Capri pants," Gutfeld said.[84] "I didn't even know they were in the war," comedian panelist Doug Benson added, then continued, "I thought that's where you go if you don't want to fight. Go chill in Canada."[85] Gutfeld also said, "Isn’t this the perfect time to invade this ridiculous country? They have no army!"[84] Schulz made comments about the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and their ceremonial red uniforms, and concluded by saying "This is not a smart culture!" [86]
The segment drew wide attention and outrage in Canada after being posted on YouTube for Canadians to view and after the reported deaths just three days later (Friday, March 20, 2009) of four Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.[87][88][89] On CBC News, Gutfeld described his show as "a satirical take on the news, in which all topics are addressed in a lighthearted, humorous and ridiculous manner."[90] Outside of Canada, there was scant media coverage.[citation needed]
Doug Benson was scheduled to appear in Canada at Edmonton's The Comic Strip April 3–5, 2009, but the shows were canceled after the owner received threats of "bodily injury" toward the American comic. "Some were saying he wouldn't make it from the airport to the club. For everyone's safety, we decided it was best to avoid the scenario altogether," manager Rick Bronson said.[91] Death threats were also made to Greg Gutfeld's elderly mother after her home address was posted publicly on the Internet.[citation needed]
Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay called on Fox to apologize for the satirical comments, describing the remarks as "despicable, hurtful and ignorant." Hours after the March 17 comments, Gutfeld maintained the show is satirical and irreverent[92] but offered the following apology: "The March 17 episode of Red Eye included a segment discussing Canada's plan for a 'synchronized break,' which was in no way an attempt to make light of troop efforts. However, I realize that my words may have been misunderstood. It was not my intent to disrespect the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize."[90]
Park51: located at the crossroads of "Sensibility" & "Sensitivity"
On August 9, 2010, Gutfeld stated that he planned on constructing the city's first Islamic-friendly gay bar next to the Ground Zero Mosque.[93] As stated in his Greg-alogue, which was featured on Red Eye: "As an American, I believe they have every right to build the mosque – after all, if they buy the land and they follow the law – who can stop them? Which is why, in the spirit of outreach, I've decided to do the same thing. I'm announcing tonight, that I am planning to build and open the first gay bar that caters not only to the west, but also Islamic gay men. I hope the mosque owners will be as open to the bar, as I am to the new mosque. After all, the belief driving them to open their Islamic center near Ground Zero is no different than mine...tolerance and understanding." He also stated an entire floor will only serve non-alcoholic (virgin) drinks, in keeping with its Muslim-friendly atmosphere. Later, he noted that this would also make a connection between virgin drinks and the seventy-two virgins promised to jihadists who kill infidels. Gutfeld later messaged the Park51 developers of the mosque, seeking a response to his idea. The Park51 group "tweeted" back, "You’re free to open whatever you like. If you won’t consider the sensibilities of Muslims, you’re not going to build dialog."[94]
After that Park51 tweet, Gutfeld announced he wanted to build his establishment and name it Dialogue. Other names for the proposed gay bar were sent into the Red Eye host (via Twitter and the Internet) by fans, such as: al Gayda, Grind Zero, The Holey Land, and Jihard. Gutfeld has stated he supports the constitutional right of anyone to build a mosque on that site; however, it is not a matter of freedom of religion but a question of sensitivity toward New Yorkers and Americans, who were the targets and victims on 9-11, that should be considered first and foremost.[94]
Comments about asexuality
On August 22, 2012 the panel discussed the book Understanding Asexuality. Guest Brooke Goldstein suggested that women were asexual when on their period, and that the label of asexuality had been incorrectly applied to the people in the study. Bill Schultz compared asexuals seeking recognition to people who wear sock monkey hats seeking recognition.[95] Sara Beth Brooks, the founder of Asexual Awareness Week, called the segment "offensive and mean" and with David Jay, the founder of the Asexuality Visibility and Education Network, started a petition asking for an apology.[96][97]