Mike & Molly under fire for "drunk Indians" joke

Mar 04, 2013 9:14 AM by Joyce Slaton

Posted in Entertainment / Celebrity Gossip

Navajo Nation Demands An Apology From CBS

The Native American community takes strong exception to a joke that mocks both Arizona and Native Americans.

Mike & Molly actors

Television sitcoms aren't exactly known for being inoffensive, but this time, says the Navajo Nation, Mike & Molly has gone too far.

The Native American community has taken offense to a joke that characterizes them as a "bunch of drunks," as TMZ puts it, and is demanding an apology from CBS.

On the show, Mike's mother, whom TMZ characterizes as "an Archie Bunker type," said in a discussion of where it's best to live, "Arizona? Why would I move to Arizona? It's nothing but a furnace full of drunk Indians."

A representative for the Navajo Nation tells TMZ, "For a show like this displaying us in a negative light is just unacceptable, they are taking a shot at the entire state of Arizona and its indigenous people."

The representative continued, "An apology would be the right thing to do, but some damage done can't be fixed in an apology."

Controversy over Mike & Molly isn't new, but previously the show's stars have weathered mockery directed at them.

Jenny McCarthy slams critic's fat-shaming of cousin Melissa McCarthy >>

Case in point: When the show premiered in 2010, Marie Claire writer Maura Kelly angered many by implying that fat people shouldn't be on television, and they certainly shouldn't be affectionate if they are: "I think I'd be grossed out if I had to watch two characters with rolls and rolls of fat kissing each other. I'd be grossed out if I had to watch them doing anything," Kelly wrote.

Then in February, critic Rex Reed hurled slurs at Mike & Molly star Melissa McCarthy in a review of her hit movie, Identity Thief, calling her "tractor-sized" and a "female hippo."

CBS has not yet commented on the "drunk Indians" furor.

Image courtesy FayesVision/WENN.com

Tags: identity thief melissa mccarthy mike & molly

Comments

Comments on "Mike & Molly under fire for "drunk Indians" joke"

Also with the Reservation thing. I was not trying to be offensive. But the Reservations are a big joke.. Just another thing that should be considered more of a historical location than a sovereign nation.. Its till in America. I do not know what lie u believe but any reservation is still considered the United State's of America...The point i am trying to make ? U do not need or deserve special treatment !!! History is History. Consider yourself paid in full. Its time to start lacing up the boots, Put down the drums, set aside the Me Me Me attitude. Most of the Native Americans i have met have a attitude of indifference unless it has to do with not getting what they think they are owed, Or if they think its not fair, or if they think they can get it for free.... I know several Native American's that still follow the culture and spiritual beliefs.. The one's that are my friends are the one's that work hard, have respect, and have adopted good ethics and education. Like i said, I am far from racist ! I also do not believe i am better than anyone else. Every race has its problem's. Mike and Molly are just TV Character's. Its fake... I sure did not have to see a television show to hear about the drunk Indians in Arizona. Why u ask ?? Cause they are in South Dakota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Alaska and every other state..

I believe that an apology is in order and that lines like this be taken out ofscripts. its very offensive, rude, bully tactics, very unprofessional."These White eyes speak with fork tongue and need to have there morals and ethics researched " who knows they may have had an ancestor that was a native american. they have no problem complaining when it hits there family and comments made on how FAT they are.this has to stop! wake up people there is enought discrimination going on without these shows added to it. Mike and molly is only one show, look at simpsons,etc its just ignorance................

I am a big fan of comedy and a big fan of Mike and Molly. As a Native American in Oklahoma, I'm really not offended by what was said. I am very proud of my Cherokee heritage. Racial slurs and context are endless when it comes to entertainment. Not everyone is going to agree with the material, nor should they. As a Native American, I experience racism right here in Oklahoma for 52 years. Somethings will never change, so why sweat it! It is a waste of time. I would rather have a good laugh instead of complaining over something we have no control over!