September 4, 2007 | Read Time: 1 minute
Jerry Lewis’s annual Labor Day telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association raised more money than ever this year, $63.7-million, according to the charity.
But the actor and the event continue to be a lightening rod for controversy.
Several disability activists have started an online campaign to protest the telethon, which they consider to be insulting to those with physical handicaps.
Even Ben Mattlin, a writer and editor in Los Angeles who appeared on the telethon when he was 6, raises questions about the fund-raising campaign. “Jerry Lewis’ annual MDA Labor Day Telethon means well but misses the point,” he writes in a Washington Post opinion article.
Besides the way Mr. Lewis portrays children with muscular dystrophy he also was criticized for apparently using a slur for gay people during this year’s 21 1/2-hour event.
The anonymous author of Don’t Tell the Donor writes that the tremendous amount of money Mr. Lewis raises for a charitable cause may excuse some of his gaffes, but this one may sink his efforts.
“You gotta hand it to Jerry … even though there are critics of some of the marketing tactics, that’s a lot of money to raise. Let’s see when/how he issues an apology for using what I consider hate speech,” writes the blogger.
Before the latest telethon, Mr. Lewis was named the most effective celebrity for charity causes, according to a survey by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
What do you think? Is the telethon outdated? Or does the amount of money it raises help justify it? Share your thoughts by clicking on the comments link below.
