For Immediate Release
December 10, 2006
Contact: John Choe, 646-296-1455
Sent via Internet

*** Statement ***

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BARBARA WALTERS MUST HOLD ROSIE O'DONNELL ACCOUNTABLE FOR REMARKS ON
ABC'S "THE VIEW"
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CITY HALL, NY - New York City Council Member John C. Liu released the
following letter in response to questions regarding remarks made by
Rosie O'Donnell on "The View," which is owned, produced and hosted by
Barbara Walters, an award-winning journalist. Ms. O'Donnell's remarks
on "The View" were produced and broadcast by the American Broadcast
Company on September 7, 2006.

The text of CM Liu's letter is attached below.

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December 9, 2006

Barbara Walters
Producer, "The View"
American Broadcasting Company
320 West 66th Street
New York, NY 10023

RE: Rosie O'Donnell's Remarks on "The View"

Dear Ms. Walters:

Asian Americans across the country are very offended by remarks made
by Rosie O'Donnell this past week on your program "The View." Her
caricature of the Chinese language hits a raw nerve in our community.
For your information, a clip of the relevant December 7, 2006 program
is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuTspbPmV_g.

As a well-traveled and experienced journalist who has gained respect
from many people around the world, you better than anyone should know
that these types of derogatory remarks have consequences beyond the
stupidity of the person who made them. Yet, you more than anyone
stands to profit handsomely from the pumped-up ratings generated by
this type of controversy.

I do not believe the production and broadcast of these remarks
reflects the high standards of excellence held by you or the American
Broadcasting Company. But, what will you do to hold yourself and
those who host the program accountable for such offensive remarks? I
and the many Asian Americans offended by "The View" look forward to
your response.

Sincerely,

John C. Liu
Council Member

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* * * JOHN LIU, NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL 2006 * * *
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News from New York City Council Member John C. Liu for reporters and news rooms.

email: liu@council.nyc.ny.us
phone: 212-788-7022
fax: 212-788-8964

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