Late Show Writer Criticized for Kavanaugh Tweet, Then Gets Criticized for Apologizing
Late Show with Stephen Colbert writer Ariel Dumas took heat over the weekend over an angry tweet about Justice Kavanaugh. Upset with Kavanaugh’s recent confirmation to the Supreme Court, Dumas wrote, “Whatever Happens, I’m just glad we ruined Brett Kavanaugh’s life.”
Dumas regretted the tweet, particularly after taking on a ton of heat and apologized, saying that her tweet was Tone Deaf. “The last couple of weeks have been hard for the country and for me personally. The complexity of frustration, anger and sadness can’t be accurately conveyed on twitter, and I regret my tone-deaf attempt at sarcasm in the wake of it.” She has not tweeted since.
But others are now speaking on her behalf, saying that no apology was needed. Kathy Griffin, for example, is shaming the general public for holding a comedy writer to a higher standard than we apply to the President of the United States.
Fellow late night writer Bess Kalb, who writes for Jimmy Kimmel Live! offered her full support, admiration and respect to Dumas, and mocked those who attacked her. “When angry women tell jokes it scares men shitless. It’s going to be ok, fellas. You’re screaming at a comedian and it’s truly going to be ok. You will get through this, sirs,” and she wrote, “If anyone in any way financially punishes @ArielDumas for a clearly facetious joke about a man WHO HAD BEEN SWORN IN AS A SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, they will be met with a fire and fury from her fellow female comedy writers like they have never seen.”
Writer John Levenstein says she should only apologize for being smarter and funnier and more interesting than those complaining and delivering manufactured outrage. Levenstein is a writer on Arrested Development, Baskets, Kroll Show, Portlandia, and Silicon Valley.
Comedian Liza Treyger tweeted as well, doubtful that all the men who want their free speech protected were speaking out in support of Dumas. “Just wondering if all the male comics who always scream about free speech are defending @ArielDumas like they do their need to scream slurs on stage.
Television writer Christine Nangle called upon Colbert to put out a statement of support. The show is currently in reruns for the week. “If @colbertlateshow doesn’t come out with a full throated statement of support for Ariel Dumas, imagine if every male comedy writer who made “boofing” jokes tweeted “I’m just glad we ruined Brett Kavanugh’s life.”
Dumas received love and support from other comedians as well, including Jono Zalay, Anthony Atamanuik, and Tom Arnold.
The last couple of weeks have been hard for the country and for me personally. The complexity of frustration, anger and sadness can’t be accurately conveyed on twitter, and I regret my tone-deaf attempt at sarcasm in the wake of it.
— Ariel Dumas (@ArielDumas) October 7, 2018
