Old Clip of Craig Ferguson Refusing to Mock Britney Spears Goes Viral

A resurfaced clip of Craig Ferguson has captured the internet’s attention, showcasing his unwavering support for Britney Spears during a time when few others did. The clip, dating back to 2007, has resurfaced as discussions around the treatment of Spears have gained momentum, especially following the release of the documentary, Framing Britney Spears.

In the clip, which aired just days after Spears famously shaved her head amid a public breakdown exacerbated by relentless paparazzi, Ferguson delivered a monologue on his CBS Late Late Show. He addressed the issue of “punching down” in comedy, a practice where comedians target marginalized individuals for cheap laughs. Ferguson’s commentary highlights the pervasive misogyny of the early 2000s, especially towards pop icons like Spears and Jessica Simpson.

He compared the laughter at others’ misfortunes to watching a child fall and not helping them, stating, “I think we’re kind of holding the camera, and people are falling apart. People are dying. That Anna Nicole Smith, she died.” Despite the audience’s laughter at Smith’s expense, Ferguson expressed discomfort, especially considering Spears was only 25 and a mother of two at the time.

He emphasized that comedy should uplift and challenge those in power rather than mock vulnerable individuals. “For me, comedy should have a sentiment of joy in it… We shouldn’t be attacking vulnerable people,” he asserted, declaring he would refrain from making jokes about Spears that night.

This clip has gained renewed attention following the documentary, with many online praising Ferguson for his compassion when it was sorely lacking from others in the entertainment industry.

In addition to highlighting Ferguson’s stance, Framing Britney Spears delves into the conservatorship that has controlled Spears’ life for over a decade, emphasizing her struggles against her father, Jamie Spears, who has been her legal guardian. As the #FreeBritney movement continues to gain traction, Ferguson’s early support is seen as a precursor to the voices advocating for Spears’ freedom today.

If you’re interested in related topics, check out this other blog post for more insights.