Robert De Niro Makes First Lady Joke, Gingrich Demands Apology From Obama

Robert De Niro spoke at a fundraiser for President Obama last night and he caused a little bit of controversy.

De Niro said:

“Callista Gingrich. Karen Santorum. Ann Romney. Now do you really think our country is ready for a white First Lady?”

KBOI reports that the joke was made at an event in New York City that was hosted by De Niro and his wife. Michelle Obama was in attendance.

Once Newt Gingrich heard about the joke he called for President Obama to apologize for De Niro’s behavior.

Gingrich said:

“What De Niro said last night was inexcusable and the president should apologize for him. It was at an Obama fundraiser… if people on the left want to talk about radio talk show hosts, then everybody in the country ought to hold the president accountable when somebody at his event says something as utterly, totally unacceptable as Robert De Niro said last night.”

Gingrich is referring to the comments that Rush Limbaugh made earlier this week. Limbaugh called college student Sandra Fluke a “slut” for wanting birth control to be covered by her insurance. Hundreds of advertisers have left Limbaugh’s show since the comments were made.

Do you think DeNiro’s joke was on the same level as Limbaugh’s comment? Do you think the President should apologize for De Niro’s joke? It was an Obama fundraiser but the President doesn’t exactly control what the actor says.

Regardless, Olivia Alair, Michelle Obama’s press secretary issued a statement today, saying: “We believe the joke was inappropriate.”

According to ABC News, tickets for the fundraiser started at $5000. A $25,000 ticket allowed you to mingle with the first lady.