Tracy Morgan Cried to Russell Simmons Over Gay Slur

EXCLUSIVE: Tracy Morgan was genuinely devastated when he learned that he had hurt people with the anti-gay jokes in his comedy routine in Nashville, Russell Simmons tells PopEater. The hip-hop mogul and equal rights activist was one of the first people the comedian opened up to following the fall-out from his offensive standup. Simmons had immediately called Morgan to tell him how upset he was and what he thought Tracy should do about making amends.

"He was so happy to hear my voice. He had been crying. He was really devastated," Simmons tells us. "He spilled his guts to me."

When he heard about Tracy's joke saying that if his son was gay he'd "stab him", Simmons felt it was his job as a pro-gay marriage supporter to set him straight (no pun intended).

"The sad truth is that sometimes artists and rappers say what people in their community are thinking. I knew that Tracy was a person who wants to make people laugh and that he said what he said because in the communities he plays to there is homophobia. It is prevalent," Simmons said.

Now Simmons says Tracy must use his platform to eradicate homophobia. Simmons, who takes activism very, very seriously, told us that he genuinely believes that Morgan will take this on as his personal cause.

"He said to me, 'I ain't got s--t to do and I want a cause.' He says he wants to work for GLAAD and that he has found a calling and a cause and I believe he is sincere," Simmons said. "People have to learn and be educated and Tracy is a guy who comes from a community that is homophobic which is why he can be so helpful."

Also on PopEater: Why No Outrage for Sexist Rant During Same Routine? | Chris Rock Backtracks

Morgan told Simmons that he wants to attend a gay marriage rally.

"I believe everyone deserves the right to be happy and marry who they want to; gay, white, black, male or female. Let me know where the rally's at Russ. I'm there!," Morgan said according to a transcript of their talk which appears at Simmons' Hip-Pop website, Global Grind.

Next week, Morgan is traveling to Tennessee with GLAAD and Simmons to meet with those offended by what he said and make a public statement of support for the LGBT community.

In a somewhat more unorthodox strategy, Morgan also wants to scream GAY from his car windows until someone engages him in a dialogue down there, Simmons tells us.

It's going to be fascinating to see just how this one turns out and whether or not Tracy will be more or less effective in his campaign for gay rights.

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Source: http://www.popeater.com/2011/06/14/tracy-morgan-cried-to-russell-simmons-glaad/

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