Comedian Artie Lange is drawing criticism for a series of disturbing tweets he directed towards ESPN host Cari Champion.
Earlier this week, Lange was watching Champion on ESPN’s First Take and informed his Twitter followers he planned to masturbate with the host in mind.
Yes. Disturbing.
Lange tweeted that, in the scenario, he was Thomas Jefferson and Champion his “slave.” He said, at one point, he would attempt to whip Champion because she “disrespected the Jefferson Plantation.”
The other tweets, if you’d like to read, are here.
ESPN released a statement on the controversy, 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.
Champion hasn’t responded to the comments, but her fellow ESPN colleague Jemele Hill had her back on Twitter:
Ppl must realize @artiequitter's disgusting tweets to @CariChampion also is him joking about rape. Didn't realize that was "comedy."
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 5, 2014
Because contrary to what history would have you believe Sally Hemings didn't have a choice.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) November 5, 2014
Lange isn’t exactly backing down from his tweets. He didn’t apologize for what he described as “jokes” but did offer a message to Cari Champion:
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
Lange was slated to appear on Comedy Central’s late night “game show” Midnight, but his appearance was cancelled. He’s reportedly been axed from the show all together.
Following Lange’s tweets, a hashtag in support of Champion, #iSupportCari trended nationwide.