Richards talks with leaders
By Solvej Schou, Associated Press
Article Launched:11/22/2006 09:15:44 PM PST
LOS ANGELES - In the aftermath of his racial tirade against two black hecklers during a comedy routine, Michael Richards on Wednesday hired a publicist with strong ties to the black community who set up calls to two black leaders.
New York publicist Howard Rubenstein took on Richards as a client Wednesday after being contacted by the comic. He then arranged for Richards to call the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
"I've known those gentlemen for many years," Rubenstein told The Associated Press.
"Michael apologized profusely. He wants to heal the tremendous wound that he's inflicted on the American public, and on the African-American community. ... I think it was a positive discussion," he said.
Jackson said Richards called "expressing his remorse and his confusion."
"He's embarrassed. He got caught on tape. That's a big part of his anxiety now," said Jackson.
"Clearly he needs some race sensibility training, and some psychiatric help. His anger is volatile and dangerous to himself and others," Jackson said. "I hope he gets the help he needs. But the culture that's producing this kind of animosity toward blacks must be addressed. ... We're increasingly facing cultural
isolation in Hollywood, in the movies and in TV."
Jackson added, "We have to evaluate the use of the n-word and categorize it as hate speech, no matter who uses it."
Calls to Sharpton's home were not immediately returned.
Richards, who played kooky neighbor Kramer on "Seinfeld," lashed out at the hecklers last week during a performance at West Hollywood's Laugh Factory. A video of his rant then appeared on TMZ.com.
