David Letterman apologizes for censoring comic Bill Hicks in 1993
January 31, 2009
Friday night David Letterman proved that he is a class act, and that the broadcasting industry could profit from his example.
Over 15 years ago, Letterman and his producer at the time, Robert Morton, chose to delete from “The Late Show” a controversial bit by astringent comedian Bill Hicks.
Hicks was scheduled for “The Late Show with David Letterman” on October 1, 1993, it would be his twelfth appearance on the show. However, Hicks’ performance was removed from the pre-taped broadcast, perhaps the only time a comedian’s taped routine had been completely deleted before the broadcast.
Hicks voiced his rage and feelings of betrayal to John Lahr of The New Yorker in a hand-written 39-page lette. Letterman said at the time that he regretted how Hicks was treated, but the comic was never invited back. Hicks later died from pancreatic cancer with his parents at his side on February 26, 1994.
Last night, Letterman not only played the never before aired 1993 segment, but he also publicly apologized in person to the late comic’s mother, Mary Hicks.
“Let me again apologize for the heartache and sadness my decision caused your family,” Letterman said to Mrs. Hicks.
“I appreciate you saying that,” she said.
“I know I can’t make up for the damage that was caused” he added, “but I do hope that this makes it up symbolically to you.”
Before playing the comics un-aired routine, Letterman said he had not seen the performance since 1993, so he warned the people in the audience that the material might be a bit dated.
You can see the video here.
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January 31st, 2009 at 10:44 pm
It was a really great move by Letterman to air this and apologize for the censorship. He’s a good dude.
February 1st, 2009 at 4:01 am
After watching a few minutes of it I turned it off, I would have cut that crap too. Why is it funny to talk about killing celebrities? Do you realize how unstable the people are who stalk and kill celebrities? There’s something wrong with you if you laugh at that garbage.
I feel bad the guy died, but David didn’t do him any favors by airing it. Should have left it a mystery.
February 1st, 2009 at 6:48 am
Your so right James. Public speakers should definitely consider how their words may impact mentaly unstable persons when they want to voice their opinion.
You’re a real genius, aren’t you?
February 2nd, 2009 at 9:09 am
letterman is and always has been a class act … i can see however why he cut the bit in the first place however… the subject matter was questionable and it really just wasn’t that funny … i just wondered if hick’s mom reminded dave of his own mom and he was just projecting …the entire incident was kind of bizarre actually.
February 2nd, 2009 at 11:55 am
You see? You are the people Hicks was “fighting” against.
“Uh, is it too violent? It’s not funny making this jokes.” bla bla
bla. C’mon prissies! You make me sick.
I love jokes about everything: death, illness, religion… everything!
And if these jokes make you think, is even better. It’s called
“freedom of speech”. Get to know it, will help you.
Bye!
March 4th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
If you didn’t think Bill’s routine was funny, your just idiotic.
He had a Joke for people like you, who want their comedy performed
at a 3rd grade level full of fart and big purple vein dick jokes, who
can’t tolerate a comedian who tried to make you think about the world
you live in. Got watch Carrot top you hacks.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
[…] David Letterman apologizes for censoring comic Bill Hicks in 1993 […]