For Release: IMMEDIATELY, June 12, 2009
Contact: Joshua Fitzpatrick (518) 455-3751
Assembly Minority Leader Kolb Calls on CBS President & CEO Les Moonves to Fire David Letterman for Vulgar Comment About Gov. Sarah Palin's 14-Year-Old Daughter
Statement from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. KOLB (R,I,C-Canandaigua)

"In a letter sent to CBS Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Les Moonves earlier today, I called for the firing of 'Late Show' host David Letterman over the shockingly inappropriate comment he made about Willow Palin, the 14-year-old daughter of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, during his program on Monday, June 8. As the proud father of a daughter, and as a husband, I wanted Mr. Moonves to hear from me directly about Mr. Letterman's disparaging remarks.

Regarding Governor Palin and her family's visit to New York City this past weekend, Mr. Letterman said the following: 'One awkward moment for Sarah Palin at the Yankee game, during the seventh inning, her daughter was knocked up by Alex Rodriguez.'

That Mr. Letterman thought it somehow acceptable to make light of the serious crime of statutory rape and demean the 14-year-old daughter of a sitting Governor whose family was visiting our state is outrageous. Mr. Moonves should recognize that Mr. Letterman's vulgar remark reflects poorly on the corporation he has the responsibility of leading. I also asked Mr. Moonves to consider the demoralizing impact of Mr. Letterman's comments on the women who work at CBS and are likely troubled that such behavior is allowed to occur in a corporate workplace.

Firing Mr. Letterman would send a clear message that CBS will not tolerate any of its employees - even an established media figure like Mr. Letterman - making demeaning and degrading comments about women."

Click here to view a copy of the letter Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb sent to CBS Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Les Moonves earlier today.


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