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Dick Falls Flat, Wayans Accepts Consequences

Wed., Dec. 6, 2006 1:01 PM PST by Sarah Hall

Is it too soon to mock the Michael Richards incident? As both Andy Dick and Damon Wayans have learned in recent days, the answer appears to be yes—at least when it comes to using the N-word.

After testing the waters Saturday at L.A.'s Improv comedy club by calling a stunned audience "a bunch of n---ers," Dick issued an apology Tuesday, acknowledging that his use of the racial epithet was inappropriate.

"I chose to make a joke about a subject that is not funny," Dick said in a statement through his publicist. "In an attempt to make light of a serious subject, I have offended a lot of people, and I am sorry for my insensitivity. I wish to apologize to Ian, to the club and its patrons and to anyone who was hurt or offended by my remark."

Dick made the remark after jumping onstage during comedian Ian Bagg's routine and grabbing the microphone.

On Tuesday, the Improv issued a statement to tmz.com, explaining its response to the incident.

"Our policy is that material deemed offensive by both famous and up-and-coming comedians is judged on a case-by-case basis," the statement said. "In this particular case, Mr. Dick was commenting on a current event. Was it intelligent? No. Was it funny? No. But was it racist? No. It was not directed at any audience member in particular, and although it was in bad taste, it was a comment on the Michael Richards fiasco."

Meanwhile, in a Sunday set at the Laugh Factory, Wayans elected to ignore the club's newly imposed ban on the N-word, which went into effect following Richards' rant.

"Give yourselves a big round of applause for coming down and supporting 'N---er Night,'" Wayans said, as he took the stage before a mostly black audience.

Wayans said producers "tried to prep me backstage—'Don't say the N-word.' They're going to fine me."

However, the comedian apparently felt the punishment—a $20 fine for each use of the offending word and a three-month ban from performing at the club—was worth keeping his routine intact.

"I'll be damned if the white man uses that word last," he said, before going on to use the N-word 15 more times over the course of his 20-minute routine, by the Los Angeles Times' count.

Since his now-infamous racist rant at the Laugh Factory on Nov. 17, Richards has issued several public apologies and has been reaching out to African-American leaders in an effort to make amends.

Last week, the Seinfeld star agreed to meet with the four men who were the specific targets of his rant in front of a retired judge in order to apologize in person.