Folks in Australia seem pretty upset by
this. Could imagine if someone tried this in America? That show would be off the air by the next day, even if it was intended as satire. I suspect something like this never would have been broadcast here, and for good reason.
TV HOST Daryl Somers apologised on air after a controversial act on last night's Hey Hey It's Saturday reunion special in which singers painted their faces black to mimic The Jackson Five.
Special guest Harry Connick Jr led criticism of the Red Faces segment, looking uncomfortable during the performance of the Jackson Jive then giving the troupe a score of zero.
The visiting US crooner - who was raised in New Orleans and learned to play music alongside African-American jazz musicians - said the act would not have gone down well in the US.
Later, following Somers' apology, the singer said he needed to "speak up as an American".
"If I knew that was going to be part of the show I definitely wouldn't have done it," he added.
Viewers were quick to criticise the stunt on Twitter. Among them comedian Dave Hughes who wrote: "Harry Connick Jr is wishing he didn't agree to be on Hey Hey right now."
Another user wrote: "Is it racist for white folks to paint their faces black? I agree that Hey Hey is embarrasing and distasteful."
Folks in Australia seem pretty upset by this. Could imagine if someone tried this in America? That show would be off the air by the next day, even if it was intended as satire. I suspect something like this never would have been broadcast here, and for good reason.
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