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It appears that there is some backlash hitting close to home for Denis Leary.  Given the CYA tone of Denis Leary’s apology, I am sure he thinks the alumni from his college should wait for their pre-ordered copy of his book to arrive before they cancel their donation to the college.

Leary’s comments on autism anger Emerson alumni (The Boston Globe)

The irascible comedian and actor Denis Leary is one of Emerson College’s most prominent fund-raisers. A 1979 graduate, he has signed fundraising letters, performed a benefit at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, and donated proceeds from musical performances to his alma mater.

But comments Leary made in a forthcoming book that appear to blame “inattentive mothers and competitive dads” for rising incidences of autism have outraged some alumni and put the college in the uncomfortable position of defending its relationship with the comedian while distancing itself from his remarks.

The Boston school says it has received e-mails from about 40 alumni incensed that it uses Leary to raise money.

Sheri Dyas Mellott, a 1995 graduate and mother of two children with autism, noted that the college boasts a successful Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, which trains undergraduate and graduate students to work with autistic children.

“I think it’s disgusting that a school that boasts that kind of program would be enlisting help from Mr. Leary,” said Mellott, adding that on Monday she had received an Emerson fund-raising letter signed by Leary and his wife, Ann Lembeck Leary, a 1985 graduate. “Whether in jest or not, it’s just in poor taste. And I think it’s offensive.”

David Rosen, an Emerson spokesman, said the college is drafting a letter apologizing to graduates who complained. He said alumni “were quite justifiably upset, but you have too look at the totality of this individual, who has done so much good for so many people.”

There’s still a month before Mr. Leary’s book is even released and to date, I don’t think he has made the chapter in question available for us to read before “attacking” him.   The letter from Emerson College goes on to say that Denis is, most importantly, a good alum.

“He just does very, very good work, but on this particular issue he is misinformed, far off-base and his comments were not only not true but in poor taste,” Rosen said. Nevertheless, the comedian is a “good and loyal alum,” he said.

[FULL ARTICLE]

Denis, if you are really so concerned, why don’t you do the right thing and pull the book now instead of using this ruckus as an excuse to tell us to go read your book.  If it really is such a misunderstanding, release the chapter online.  Telling is to give you the benefit of the doubt and wait 6 weeks for publication seems a tad bit self-serving. While, I don’t see how it could be enough “out of context” to forgive you and add Rescue Me back to the DVR list, for your sake I hope that’s the case.  If it turns out not to be the case, I feel sorry for you for not doing the right thing and hurting a lot of people in the name of selling some books and getting some publicity.

Related:

• Autism Untited’s Autism Schmautism Denis Leary Boycott
• Denis Leary Autism Schmautism Apology *UPDATE*
• Denis Leary = A-Hole Extraordinaire
• Clinic Notes: Denis Leary on Autism
• Denis Leary on Autism

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