Williams parodes the Australians.
Robin Williams has been forced to apologise over jibes made against Australia which have upset Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Mr Williams was being interviewed in America on the Late Show with David Letterman when he launched into an astonishing tirade against Australians. He described them as “basically English rednecks” before putting on an exaggerated mocking Australian accent. He also described Australian Rules football as “rugby with a thong.”
Williams travelled to Australia in February for 2 weeks whilst filming Happy Feet 2, at the time he said it was great that he was going over there for the sequel. He also toured in Australia where Prime Minister Kevin Rudd heckled him. Perhaps this was the reason behind the attack?
Speaking of the animals in Australia Williams went on to say; “Most of the animals down there can kill you. They have a snail that can fire a poison dart.”
However Mr Williams’ comments are to be expected, he is a comedian after all and most of the Australians got the joke. All apart from the Prime Minister that is. Mr Rudd went on national radio and suggested that Williams spend a bit of time in Alabama before labelling anyone as a redneck. This comment in itself didn’t go down too well with Bob Riley, the Governor of Alabama who suggested that Mr Rudd didn’t know what he was talking about.
If this is an insult chain I wonder who will break it? Mr Williams later did try to make amends for his comments, apologising to Prime Minister Rudd and accepting that he only travelled to Australia for two weeks. “Mr Rudd, I apologise. It’s linguistics. I would like to modify my terminology and say, ‘English good old boy’.”
“If the term redneck is offensive, forgive me, sir. Please let me come back to Australia without a cavity search, and if not, I’d love to go to a strip club with you in New York.” This refers to Mr Rudd’s infamous ‘exotic dance club’ visit in 2003.
Judging by the mass of support Mr Williams has received from Australian viewers of the YouTube footage, if he did travel to Australia again he would warmly welcomed.
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One Response to “Robin Williams Apologies for Australian Jibe”
Comment by Dustmop — August 4, 2010 @ 2:06 pm
I am Australian and I WAS offended, no it wasn’t just Rudd.. And Williams response about a strip club was a low because Kevin Rudd like alot of other young males was young when he went… I find Robin Williams Response/Apology was nasty and degrading.. and i don’t want him back in my country. I’m sure there are other Australians that was offended as well. Not just my whole family and Mr. Rudd. You lost a few fans Robin