Faith

Jay Leno‘s Joke on Romney’s Wealth Ignites Religious Firestorm Among…Sikhs?

Jay Leno Joke About Mitt Romneys Wealth Angers Indias Sikh Community

"Tonight Show" host Jay Leno (AP)

Sometimes jokes go too far. Other times, people simply can’t take them in stride. We won’t tell you which side to err on in the spat that has unfolded between late-night comedian Jay Leno and India’s Sikh community. But we will bring you the facts. What started out as a joke about GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s riches has ended with members of the religious group calling for Leno to apologize.

The “Tonight Show” host caused offense last week when he held up a picture of the Golden Temple, the holiest site in the Sikh religion. Of course, it wasn‘t simply Leno’s showcasing of the image that was problematic. Politico has more regarding how the skit unfolded:

After unveiling pictures of Newt Gingrich’s estate in Virginia and Ron Paul’s ranch house in Texas, the comedian purported to show a photograph of Romney’s summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee but flashed an image of the famous golden shrine located in Punjab, India, instead.

Jay Leno Joke About Mitt Romneys Wealth Angers Indias Sikh Community

The image of the Golden Temple that Leno aired

Clearly, the antic was meant to poke fun at the contender’s wealth, which has come under scrutiny in recent weeks.

Watch Leno’s parody, below:

But in an effort that what was likely intended to output political — not religious — humor, the joke has gone over quite badly. Dalbeg Singh, a top Sikh leader, said Tuesday that community leaders would seek an apology from Leno. The offense was apparently so grave that India’s foreign ministry apparently brought it to U.S. authorities.

According to a top official with the external affairs ministry, a formal complaint was filed with the U.S. State Department. Another complaint was sent to NBC, the network that airs the evening program.

And the protest is also raging online, as thousands of individuals have also signed a petition that rails against Leno’s purported racism. It reads, in part:

This is not the first time that this show host has targeted Sikhs in his monologue. Previously, in 2007 he called Sikhs ‘diaper heads.’ In 2010, he remarked, falsely so, in his monologue that President Obama could not visit Sri Darbar Sahib because of requirements of wearing a turban. Clearly, Jay Leno’s racist comments need to be stopped right here.

Jay Leno Joke About Mitt Romneys Wealth Angers Indias Sikh Community

Anti-Jay Leno petition

There’s also a Facebook page called “Boycott Jay Leno,” with over 3,200 people signed on as members.

But not everyone was offended. Suhel Seth, a prominent media commentator in India, said that the government was wasting time complaining over a mere joke, while not taking on more important issues.

“Jay Leno is a comedian, take him with a pinch of salt,” he said. “But our politicians do not want to address real issues, like getting clean water to people. They would rather talk about silly issues.”

On Monday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland also defended Leno’s comments.

“I hope (Leno will) be appreciative if we make the point that his comments are constitutionally protected in the United States under free speech and, frankly, they appeared to be satirical in nature,” she said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments (108)

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  • Helpful
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:33pm

    Its a JOKE, its supposed to be Funny, it was……..In Honor of that Joke I’m going to EAT a Couple pieces of BACON ……………………..

    Report Post »  
    • phillipwgirard
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:40pm

      I’m single, I’ll have to settle for Pork Rinds in a plastic bag from the local Bodega,,,LOL

      Report Post » phillipwgirard  
    • COFemale
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 7:56pm

      Apparently you don‘t realize Sikh’s are not Muslim, they are Sikhism or maybe Punjab is more familiar to you. Most of India is made up of Hindu’s, with other religions really low percentage wise. About 3% of the country are Christians. Only about 13% are Muslim, but Sikh’s have their own religion. I don’t think pork will bother them, however I could be mistaken.

      Report Post » COFemale  
    • TheJeffersonian
      Posted on January 28, 2012 at 9:42pm

      They aren’t Muslim, you idiot. Sikhs can eat pork.

      Report Post » TheJeffersonian  
  • last frontier
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:31pm

    Jay forgot it’s only freedom of speech when mocking Christians.

    Report Post » last frontier  
    • Vechorik
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:47pm

      Gingrich and Santorum are Catholic
      Why are most Catholics Democrats?

      http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/more_catholics_leaning_towards_democrats_poll_reports/

      Report Post »  
    • valarie
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:38pm

      Vech, that is absolutely befuddling.

      Report Post » valarie  
    • lillymckim
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 6:37pm

      Yes, if he had mocked Morman’s everyone at change.org would have jumped on the band wagon with Leno

      Report Post » lillymckim  
    • free123
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:01pm

      Sikhs and Islamics need to suck it up. I am sick and tired of those baby whiners everytime someone says anything about their religion. You can stomp on Christianity and its OK but when you stomp on Islam and Sikh religion its mortal sin. As far as I found out its phony religion and its their choice …..they have a right to believe. But as all religion in the world has to endure persecution at times …..so endure it.

       
    • wolfinshdo
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:29pm

      These are a People stuck in the stone age. Will they lose their soul if you take a picture of them? When the Middle East runs out of oil, someone should put a fence around it all and turn it into a Zoo. “Hey kids, look at that guy trying to create fire by rubbing two sticks together. Oh there’s a great example of the Middle Eastern mating ritual. The Male smashes the Female over the head with his club and drags her back to his mud hut.”. If they didn’t have oil they would be as advanced as Africa.

      Report Post » wolfinshdo  
    • Chromo200
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 11:46pm

      Or GWBush, or Conservatives .. That is why I quit watch the after news shows ..

      Report Post »  
    • jado1981
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 10:01am

      Don’t forget to add most of the people in the mafia and drug cartels are also catholic.

      Report Post »  
    • Revere2
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 11:48am

      So true, so true

      Report Post » Revere2  
    • karen162
      Posted on January 25, 2012 at 3:13pm

      Exactly. All religions are protected from jokes except for Christian, which I believe in the new Constitution, its mandatory to mock.

      Report Post » karen162  
  • DrDoom
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:29pm

    And Leno is poor?????? Why doesn’t he show a picture of his Hollywood hills home and the huge garage that holds the millions of dollars worth of vintage cars, etc. Leno works his butt off for his money, but so did Romney. Get off of this already. SMH

    Report Post »  
    • PlowMan
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:15pm

      I agree, I love Leno’s cars and I think he should be free to make as much money as he likes and buy more. I will never be able to buy a tenth of what he buys but I really don’t care. Why are people who don’t sacrifice and work their tails off so jealous?

      Report Post » PlowMan  
    • From Virginia
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:53pm

      I agree. Plus no one explains that the guy hasn’t held a “taxible paying” job in years. The job he DID have he paid taxes on – he invested the money and has been living off the proceeds – which we all hope to do when we retire. The FACT that he paid taxes on the dividends of his investments is a double dipping tax in itself! I HATE the fact that the government double and triples the taxes on money we earn. Isn’t once enough?

      Report Post »  
    • MDKing
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 9:48pm

      Plowman,
      Remember the communist matra, spead the wealth, Leno has to much he needs to give poor people some of those cars….

      Report Post » MDKing  
  • girlnurse
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:29pm

    #1 Jay Leno has more money than ALL the candidates combined!
    #2 Can you believe that with all his money and loopholes Romney STILL had to pay 42% of his money to the government!!?? RIDICULOUS! No body should have to pay 42% of everything to the government!
    #3 There are people who are broke who are being harrassed by this government and the IRS! Look into the history.
    #4 The REAL story is how the federal and state governments are Kings and Queens on the backs of the American workers! When are we going to wake up from this IRS nightmare?

    Report Post » girlnurse  
    • HisStoryUn
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:03pm

      @girlnurse
      #1 Jay Leno has more money than ALL the candidates combined!
      No he does not!
      #2 Can you believe that with all his money and loopholes Romney STILL had to pay 42% of his money to the government!!?? RIDICULOUS! No body should have to pay 42% of everything to the government!
      Romney’s tax returns show that he paid 17.6% in taxes but gave away 20% to charities! Not that it’s any of your business.
      #3 There are people who are broke who are being harrassed by this government and the IRS! Look into the history.
      What the he!! does that have to do with this story?!
      #4 The REAL story is how the federal and state governments are Kings and Queens on the backs of the American workers! When are we going to wake up from this IRS nightmare?
      Leno made a joke. Period. The “REAL” story is a bout the joke!
      If you woke up tomorrow with an additional brain, it would still be lonesome.

      Report Post » HisStoryUn  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:23pm

    Who cares?

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
    • lantzh
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:45pm

      I second that emotion!

      Report Post »  
    • lynda1276
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:46pm

      Love that song..

      Report Post »  
    • patriot308
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:12pm

      “if you feel like giving me, a lifetime of devotion”….. Oh yeah got lost there, for a second. Hey Jay; send them a song by the Eagles, “Get over it”.

      Report Post »  
  • pap pap
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:20pm

    OMG He had that picture to show how luxurious that place was as the ultimated place and this is considered racism ???

    Report Post »  
  • paleoman
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:18pm

    I’m offended, I think well maybe not. It‘s got to be racist doesn’t it, nope not if its from the left. Oh I get it, its just a joke. That makes the news. WOW Maybe tomorrow will be a better day. Its obamas fault

    Report Post »  
  • kspatriot
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:18pm

    Lighten up!

    Report Post » kspatriot  
  • fcbs46
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:17pm

    Get real “Jay Leno is a comedian, take him with a pinch of salt,” my my my are we not all just so sensitivity I thought Sikh’s were oh so peaceful sweeping their way to heaven and keeping their turbans so clean. They were the top killers in India in the past.

    Report Post »  
    • ssingh1515
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:55pm

      Let me begin by stating: I am a Sikh and proud of the sacrifices and accomplishments the ten Gurus have done for mankind and rid the rule of the evil Moghals (radical Islamists). Making the Guru Granth Sahib the source for spiritual advice and as a holy scripture. The fact that revisionists do not want to mention that Sikhs have contributed to India’s independence greatly in numbers of martyrdom. Here is a shocker: Sikhs have been part of both World Wars; servicing in the British and French armies (my grandpa is an example). “Sikhs are hindus, are a sub-sect of a particular religion”- the common misconception among the ignorant. Sikhism is a religion with no connections to any other religion but for love among all humans regardless of beliefs or origin. Peace most of the time but self-defense only when all other options fail. Charity for those less fortunate. Individualism and the belief in the Creator, knowing also the fact that he created all the known prophets of every religion. Read about the tyranny of Indian government’s fascism towards religious freedom and the concept of individual rights. “Sikhs have been the killers”? What? Excuse me? The Indian government is the one with their socialist constitution that have done more damage to individual freedom and free expression with citing the government’s Blue Star Operation 1984 of attacking the Golden Temple. Not to mention the despotism and riots pre-dating before and after that period. Find out who Indira Gandhi w

      Report Post » ssingh1515  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 7:29pm

      @ SSingh1515
      I am Christian, but I very much respect Sikhs and their contributions to the world. That includes their military proficiency. As a former naval officer, I note that the best sailors would also be the best employees in any business. It is no coincidence that Sikhs can be good soldiers as well as good merchants, engineers, etc.

      Report Post »  
    • LibertyGoddess
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:04pm

      @ssing1515

      Thank you for your words. Unfortunately, we have become a society who shows no respect towards other faiths, but gets highly offended if someone doesn’t respect towards them. Go figure. I’m sorry for the insensitive comments from others on these boards towards you, your faith and your culture. I am LDS and I read trash every day on here about my religion. I don’t see things changing any time soon, the flood gates have been opened. Chin up, there are those who do respect you and support you. Yes, comedians have gone too far on a lot of things and it’s not funny.

      Report Post » LibertyGoddess  
  • Dinkiecb
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:17pm

    The diaper heads need to get the hell over themselves…

    Report Post »  
    • COFemale
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:05pm

      You first.

      That is mighty white of you to say that.

      Report Post » COFemale  
  • meskew
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:13pm

    Get over it India. Get over it!

    Report Post »  
  • GERATMO
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:11pm

    I dont care for Leno but he has every right to poke fun at who he wants. He just needs to pull his head out of his arsh and make fun of the joke in the White House.

    Report Post » GERATMO  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:09pm

    So, now, Leno has to apologize for what some to be considered a Sikh joke?
    Ahahahahaha!

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • felix
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:08pm

    hope the liberal puke gets even more heat after all the crummy jokes he did of BUSH. he doesnt have the balls to make jokes of the communist dictator we have now !

    Report Post »  
  • Mr.Fitnah
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:06pm

    It is difficult to be called a Muslim; if one is truly a Muslim, then he may be called one.
    First, let him savor the religion of the Prophet as sweet; then, let his pride of his possessions be scraped away.
    Becoming a true Muslim, a disciple of the faith of Muhammad, let him put aside the delusion of death and life.
    As he submits to God’s Will, and surrenders to the Creator, he is rid of selfishness and conceit.
    And when, O Nanak, he is merciful to all beings, only then shall he be called a Muslim.
    Allah is hidden in every heart; reflect upon this in your mind. The One Lord is within both Hindu and Muslim; Kabir proclaims this out loud.
    Be kind and compassionate to me, O Creator Lord. Bless me with devotion and meditation, O Lord Creator. Says Nanak, the Guru has rid me of doubt.
    The Muslim God Allah and the Hindu God Paarbrahman are one and the same.

    To be Muslim is to be kind-hearted, and wash away pollution from within the heart. He does not even approach worldly pleasures; he is pure, like flowers, silk, ghee and the deer-skin.
    One who is blessed with the mercy and compassion of the Merciful Lord, is the manliest man among men. He alone is a Shaykh, a preacher, a Haji, and he alone is God’s slave, who is blessed with God’s Grace.
    The Creator Lord has Creative Power; the Merciful Lord has Mercy. The Praises and the Love of the Merciful Lord are unfathomable.
    Realize the True Hukam, the Command of the Lord, O Nanak; you shall be released from bondage, a

    Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
    • Mr.Fitnah
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:09pm

      Realize the True Hukam, the Command of the Lord, O Nanak; you shall be released from bondage, and carried across.

      I am not a Hindu, nor am I a Muslim. My body and breath of life belong to Allah – to Raam – the God of both.
      Says Kabir, this is what I say: meeting with the Guru, my Spiritual Teacher, I realize God, my Lord and Master.
      —Guru Granth Sahib

      Report Post » Mr.Fitnah  
    • lantzh
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:44pm

      Who gives a damn about what you believe? Are you trying to make people on this site think your some kind of holy person by copying verses from the Koran or the Guru Granth Sahib?

      we dont want to hear your “blah blah blah, look at me I’m different and you have to accept me” speach.

      pay attention to your own life and stop pushing your beliefs on the rest of us. We could care less, we have our own beliefs and religeons.

      I Happen to be offended by all you so called peace loving, cry baby, poor me I’m different and unrecognized , quasam launching, woman beating, mahamud a.s.s k.issing suicide bombing muslim biggotts.

       
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 8:37pm

      “Allah is hidden in every heart” Yes but, we are to confess our sins. Once filled with the Holy Spirit there is no further room for evil.

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
    • Chromo200
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 11:56pm

      If there is an Imam or a muslim that believes what you quote let him speak up .. If he lives anywhere but the US and Canada, he will be killed .. Islam was and never will be a religion of peace.

      Don’t know much about Sikhs, but in India the cast system keeps people poor and helpless.

      Report Post »  
  • geomann
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:04pm

    I have worked with 2 men who were followers of the Sikh religion. They were very proud of their heritage, but neither of them was so sensative to jokes. I have always found the people of India in general to be a friendly people, but they are just going to have to understand that we don’t limit free speech in this country. Clearly, the joke was about Romney’s wealth, equating it to that of an entire religious group. You guys realize that any apology from a comedian will include a follow-up joke, right?

    Report Post »  
  • drenfroe
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:03pm

    Other countries always want to tell American‘s what we can and can’t do. It‘s time the government told them this is America and they don’t have the right to make demands here anymore than we do there. Where’s their since of humor?

    Report Post »  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:13pm

      Maybe he should have showed a manger somewhere in Bethlehem. There would not have been any outrage, then. What is it about certain religions and being offended at everything in the encyclopedia?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • oldwmn
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 5:50pm

      maybe if we shut down all military bases overseas at old WWII locations and took care of AMERICA FIRST no one from any other country would give a rats behind what we say or do but as long as we babysit all these other countries well they will get in your face..me shut down the bases secure our borders trade with other countries but let them fight their 1,000 year old battles NOT US..and I do not care if they worship liver or poptarts or a golden goat..who cares just bring our troops home to hell with all the other countries problems..

      Report Post » oldwmn  
  • MittensKittens
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:01pm

    Jay Leno should apologize, the poor poor Indians have suffered enough since we took their land and put them on reservations!

    Report Post » MittensKittens  
  • HYPNOTOAD
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:59pm

    Come on Jay. How can you be a car guy and be so stupid? I’m ashamed as a fellow gear head that you are in my ranks. Of all people to be talking about wealth, you would think that you get it. You started out with nothing and made a multi-million dollar empire via Capitalism.

    How dare you make fun of and try to sway the average american who is hurting because of democrat policies hate successful business men?

    Boy you have changed.

    Report Post » HYPNOTOAD  
  • betterthantv
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:58pm

    I’m no fan of Liberal Leno, but this is absurd!

    Report Post » betterthantv  
  • Spyder
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:57pm

    Awww! U Mad, Sikhs? Way to go Leno on the Trollolololo….

    Report Post » Spyder  
  • Blackhawk1
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:56pm

    Leno needs to educate these people from India. Liberals like him are not able to offend anyone because they are all knowing and caring and only they are 100% politically correct unable of making a racist or insensitive comment or joke.

    Report Post » Blackhawk1  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:56pm

    The Sikh’s used to be burly, manly bodyguards, or soldiers. Are they now the thin fingered, pink panty , thin skinned, woosie’s? Please don’t start that crybaby , riot crap whenever a Koran is looked at crossly.

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Stevsea
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:01pm

      I believe the Sikh’s are Hindu and not Muslim.

      Report Post » Stevsea  
    • geomann
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:09pm

      They are not Hindu or Muslim. If I had to classify them, I would say they are half way in between. Very peaceful, until cornered, then they are like lions. I doubt this will elicit any threats from them, but appearently it offended them.

      Report Post »  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on January 24, 2012 at 4:36pm

      Sorry, I meant the Muslim Crybabies

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
  • TXPilot
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:52pm

    I guess all the foreigners now think we are total pushovers, thanks to Obama. I fondly remember the days, when we would tell them to stick it.

    Report Post » TXPilot  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on January 24, 2012 at 3:52pm

    Sooooooooooooo ?????????????????

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
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