NBC has apologized to a popular stand-up comic over what was perceived as an insult involving seating for a basketball game, TMZ.com reports.
Lisa Lampanelli, one of 16 stars chosen for NBC’s upcoming "Celebrity Apprentice" edition, was rewarded along with others by the network with an invitation to a New York Knicks game Wednesday night to wrap up a long day of promotion work for “Apprentice.” The comedian appeared in the crowd at the game, but unlike the other stars from "Celebrity Apprentice," Teresa Giudice and Dayana Mendoza, Lampanelli was stuck in the 11th row instead of courtside.
Lampanelli complained about the bad seating, saying, "I’m like Rosa Parks! … Don’t sit me in the back of the bus!"
What’s worse, Mendoza, a former Miss Universe, and Giudice of “Real Housewives” had an empty seat right next to them in the front row.
NBC acknowledged Lampanelli’s complaint and scrambled to apologize and make amends, and Lampanelli said she has forgiven the Peacock Network. NBC even asked for her address to send her a makeup gift, according to the report.
“Lampanelli complained about the bad seating, saying, “I’m like Rosa Parks! … Don’t sit me in the back of the bus!”
Yup. Exactly like Rosa Parks.
The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement would be honored to hear that her risking of her life to bring about social justice was every bit as courageous and meaningful as a “reality” TV personality’s refusal to accept the hate embodied in free 11th row tickets to a basketball game (in an arena with 40-odd rows of seats).
Eyes on the prize, sister.
Back to work: