We all know that sometimes talk show hosts can step over the line when on air. Take Don Imus and his comments about the Rutgers’ woman’s basketball team for example. Now two Minneapolis radio talk show hosts are finding themselves in deep water as well for their on-air comments.
Chris Baker and Langdon Perry of station KTLK took insensitive to a whole new level this week when they (hopefully) were joking about Magic Johnson and AIDS last Wednesday. They were talking with another caller about health care when the following exchange took place:
Perry: What about diseases that are eminently treatable and you can live with for a long, long time quite healthily if you just get some basic drugs?
Baker: Like Magic Johnson?
Perry: Like Magic with his faked AIDS. Magic faked AIDS.
Baker: You think Magic faked AIDS for sympathy?
Perry: I’m convinced that Magic faked AIDS.
Baker: Me too.
If you don’t remember, Magic Johnson was diagnosed with HIV in 1991. This forced the Hall of Famer to retire from the NBA at the relatively young age of 32.
While their comments were terribly thoughtless, Magic is showing class with his response. He said “I am extremely disappointed in KTLK in Minneapolis. I am outraged that Chris Baker and Langdon Perry would minimize such a serious and deadly issue. Millions are dying from HIV/AIDS and the fact that they would make jokes about my status is unbelievable.” While he called the comments were “stupid,” he did go on to say that he didn’t want either host fired, saying it would be better if they would educate the audience. Sounds like they need to educate themselves first! Magic reminded the public that he has HIV that has not turned into AIDS and his health is “wonderful.”
(This United States Congress image is in the public domain.)
KTLK released a statement that read “We regret that some offhand remarks by commentators on KTLK did not reflect that,” the statement said. “To better inform our listeners and employees, KTLK will be airing HIV/AIDS awareness public service announcements, and will be reaching out to Mr. Johnson to get his thoughts on education efforts.”
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