Fat Jokes on Reality TV
When is a joke funny and when does one call “foul”?
The April 26th episode of Dancing with the Stars crossed that fine line, when judge Len Goodman made some comments about contestant Niecy Nash’s physique.
After performing the tango with her partner (using a cookie as a prop), Len commented, “the Argentine tango is the story of a lady of the night trying to get money from the man … you were trying to get food… It’s obvious that you’re an enthusiastic eater — so why wouldn’t you go for a cookie?”
Niecy did not seem to be offended, saying she has always been proud of her body and her “jiggly parts.” As a regular panelist on The Insider, she even confirmed she took it as a joke because she is after all a comedienne.
However, the viewers of The Insider do not seem to agree. On their online poll, 55% of viewers think that Len Goodman went too far, while only 45% think it was okay.
What do you think?

