Gay mr t

This is a hasty transcription from "The O'Reilly Factor," a broadcast on August 6, 2008. This version might not be final and could be revised.

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BILL O'REILLY, HOST: Tonight's "Personal Story" segment explores the intriguing reasons behind the recent removal of a Snickers commercial from British airwaves.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MR. T, TV PERSONALITY: Speed-walking? I deplore you, simpleton! You shame the human race. It's time to run like a genuine man. Repeat this, bungler, and face the consequences.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'REILLY: Certain gay individuals deemed the commercial's depiction offensive, consequently, it's been discontinued.

Joining us from Los Angeles to discuss this reaction is the star of that spot, Mr. T himself.

You were compensated for your involvement. The situation ultimately resolved favorably. Your American exposure increased because the ad was pulled in Britain. I've seen it twice now, as have others. But what are your personal thoughts on this matter?

MR. T: Well, first off, thank you for this opportunity. Principally, this affair has slightly tarnished my public image, prompting me to defend my character. If you permit, I'd like to share a brief message with my loyal supporters. May I have a moment or two?

O'REILLY: How about forty seconds? Please proceed.

MR. T: Forty seconds. Let me deliver this properly. "To those concerned, let my record serve as my defense. I am not homophobic. I'm not a gay-basher. My remarks were not negative, disparaging, disrespectful, nor malicious. And I would never produce an advertisement if I believed it would offend anyone." Bill, speed walking, indeed, is an Olympic event; this is the established technique. The phrase "get some nuts" alludes to the added peanuts in the Snickers bar.

In the film "Rocky III," I criticized Rocky Balboa as a disgrace to boxing for refusing a genuine fight. There were no complaints. On March thirty-first, nineteen eighty-five, at the inaugural WrestleMania, I labelled wrestler Rowdy Roddy Piper a disgrace to the sport for his unsavory tactics. No complaints were filed. On "The A-Team," I characterized the villains as a disgrace for their misdeeds against innocent individuals. Again, no complaints. (For twenty-eight years), Bill, I've been addressing fools, but my critiques are never personally motivated. Why didn't anyone question the speed-walker actor? He'd clarify my character's intent."

O'REILLY: I don't suspect anyone believes you were directly involved with the Snickers ad's removal, aside from participating in its creation and consuming the product.

But what is your theory as to why Mars, the parent company, pulled it? If your interpretation holds true, the portrayal of a speed-walker wasn't intended to insult the gay community. Then why the removal?

MR. T: Perhaps they were concerned about the resultant pressure, or some other unknown factor. This is a noteworthy controversy, you see.

O'REILLY: Certainly.

MR. T: I am a fighter, you know. I confront challenges. If I erred, I'll acknowledge it. But I believe my actions were justified.

O'REILLY: During the filming of the commercial, where did you shoot the footage?

MR. T: We filmed it in Long Beach. A good point, Bill. We established the scene in Long Beach, and the filming took place in January, spanning about three or four days.

Let me share a story about the speed-walker actor. He asked for my autograph, took pictures with me, and even requested a message for his children on camera. Therefore, I advise, speak with locals—they will confirm my portrayal.

The set was enjoyable. No...

O'REILLY: During the production or upon viewing the finished product, did anyone express concern that the scene might be perceived as mocking the gay community?

MR. T: No, Bill, because there was nothing like that. My persona is inherently positive. My initial Snickers commercial, for instance, featured soccer players. I operate a tank, Bill, and my performance was exceedingly dramatic. A man supposedly hurt his leg; I utilized a tank to traverse several cars and onto the soccer field, declaring, "You weakling. You're pathetic. Stop behaving like a coward!" Followed by, "Eat a Snickers. You do that again, you'll meet my friend, Pain." It is apparent to all that it was not serious. I've never intentionally harmed anyone, Bill. I'm a tough guy, trained to be formidable, and my physique is prepared for challenges. I'm not a menace. I have more than thirty years of experience in this industry. You've never heard of me physically harming anyone.

O'REILLY: Mr. T, I believe you. I'm just trying to get to the...

MR. T: Me too, Bill.

O'REILLY: One last question. If you were gay, would you find this commercial offensive?

MR. T: Not at all. Indeed, there were some individuals on the Internet, on YouTube, who remarked, "Wait a minute." A fellow from London or England said, "I'm gay, and I found it humorous." I never say anything derogatory.

O'REILLY: I'd love to conduct a poll, for I'm persuaded this is a valid view. I think the gay community would find it amusing.

MR. T: I hope you conduct such a poll, Bill. Indeed. Thank you.

O'REILLY: I'm unsure about my polling capabilities, Mr. T.

MR. T: Given that this is an election year, let the people decide.

O'REILLY: By the way, could you send some Snickers my way?

MR. T: I certainly will, Bill.

O'REILLY: It was a pleasure seeing you, Mr. T.

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