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Tell Regis Philbin and "Live with Regis and Kelly" That Groping Isn't Acceptable
  1. Signatures
    442 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications, Fox TV Stations (Brian Lewis)
  2. Created By
    Whitney Teal
    Silver Spring, MD
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

On a segment of the daytime television show "Live with Regis and Kelly" that ran on Nov. 29, rapper Nicki Minaj was groped and harrassed by co-host Regis Philbin. First inappropriately grabbing her waist, Philbin progressed to touching the hem of her dress, hitting her backside with his hand and then making a sexually suggestive joke to Minaj.

This petition will instruct Fox Broadcasting, the company that airs this show, that groping is not acceptable banter for talk show hosts. Minaj was disrespected and sexually harassed during the segment. As such, the broadcasting company and Philbin should acknowledge the wrongdoing and pledge to discontinue further behavior.

Recent Signatures

Groping and Harassment Are Not Acceptable Talk Show Banter for Regis Philbin

Greetings,

Rapper Nicki Minaj was groped repeatedly by co-host Regis Philbin and became the subject of an extremely inappropriate, sexual joke while a guest on "Live with Regis and Kelly." If you are not aware, please watch this YouTube video from the segment, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Op3R8GP0GPI&feature=player_embedded.

The combined actions of Philbin constitute sexual harassment and should not be tolerated by the producers, hosts and corporate partners of "Live." No woman should be made to endure unwanted attention, no matter the situation, let alone while vulnerable in front of an audience and in the presence of a powerful media personality like Philbin.

Awkward sexual innuendos are one (inappropriate) thing, but the grabbing of a woman is another, impermissible thing. What happened was sexual harassment, on par with street cat-calling or workplace molestation. Minaj's body was violated on national television, which not only clearly embarrassed the rapper, but also sent a powerful and unfortunate message to audience members and viewers at home: that a woman's body is not her own, but perpetually at the mercy of male sexual advances.

Philbin is a seasoned, much-loved television personality who has survived many generations in the entertainment industry. It is entirely possible that he did not deem his actions to be inappropriate. This petition serves as a notice that many are offended and the action was not appropriate.

We are seeking an apology from Philbin and the leaders of the show. We are also asking that action is taken to ensure that this type of offensive, inappropriate and hurtful behavior discontinues.

[Your name]

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