Griffin’s comments draw ire of Christian groups

Griffin’s comments draw
ire of Christian groups

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Members of a Christian theater troupe are spreading the word that they’re irate about Kathy Griffin’s off-color speech in accepting a creative arts Emmy earlier this month. The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge spent $90,440 on a full-page advertisement in USA Today that ran nationally Monday, proclaiming “enough is enough.” In accepting the Emmy for her Bravo reality show, “My Life on the D-List,” Griffin said that “a lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award. I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus.” She went on to hold up her Emmy, make an off-color remark about Christ and proclaim, “This award is my god now!” Griffin’s comments have also drawn ire from the Catholic League, an anti-defamation group that called on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to “denounce Griffin’s obscene and blasphemous comment” at the Sept. 9 ceremony. The E! channel chose to edit Griffin’s speech when it aired the taped event last Saturday night. Griffin, whose standup comedy shows often focus on mocking and dishing on celebrities, issued a statement through her publicist in response to the Catholic League’s criticisms, indicating her statements were meant as a joke.

Springsteen shows

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will give fans a preview of their upcoming tour when they perform two benefit rehearsal concerts in Asbury Park next week. The shows will be held Monday and Tuesday nights at the Convention Hall. Tickets are $100. Beneficiaries of the concerts haven’t been announced. Springsteen’s new album, “Magic,” is due out Oct. 2, the same night his tour opens with a show in Hartford, Conn. The 57-year-old rocker often rehearses at the Convention Hall before his albums are released and his tours begin.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Larry Hagman is 76. Actor-comedian Henry Gibson is 72. Author-comedian Fannie Flagg is 63. Author Stephen King is 60. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is 60. Musician Don Felder (The Eagles) is 60. Actor-comedian Bill Murray is 57. Movie producer-writer Ethan Coen is 50. Actor-comedian Dave Coulier is 48. Actor Rob Morrow is 45. Actress Country singer Faith Hill is 40. Rock musician Tyler Stewart (Barenaked Ladies) is 40. Actress-talk show host Ricki Lake is 39. Rapper Dave (De La Soul) is 39. Actor Alfonso Ribeiro is 36. Actor Luke Wilson is 36. TV personality Nicole Richie is 26. Actress Maggie Grace is 24.