Date: Tue, 9 Jan 1996 13:21:44 +0100
From: glaad@glaad.org (GLAAD)
Subject: GLAAD Commends CBS For Ben Wright's Dismissal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Tamra King
Media Director
213-658-6775


GLAAD Commends CBS For Ben Wright's Dismissal


NEW YORK, NY - January 9, 1996 - The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against
Defamation  (GLAAD) said today that CBS' decision to drop Ben Wright from
their golf coverage due to the controversy surrounding his "alleged"
comments about lesbians and women was a blow against prejudice and bigotry.
"His comments, as well as his beliefs, were inappropriate and CBS did the
right thing by letting him go," said Tamra King, GLAAD's  Media Director.

GLAAD continued to publicly advocate for Wright's dismissal and call
attention to the controversy after an article in the December 4th Sports
Illustrated rekindled debate over comments he made last May.  The more
recent article made public additional facts which demonstrated that Wright
had, in fact, made the statements in question.

"The point here is that Wright clearly has a problem with women in general
and lesbians in particular, and as such he is not an appropriate
commentator on women's professional golf, nor any other media activity,"
King said.

CBS said in a statement that Wright had apologized for the remarks he
denied earlier, including and "most importantly, I extend to Ms. Valerie
Helmbreck (the writer who broke the story) my sincere regret for any hurt
she may have experienced."  GLAAD continued to press for clarification with
CBS, and received a statement that said Wright's comments were inconsistent
with the network's beliefs and practices, and that Wright had been  advised
that any comments contrary to the network's policy would not be tolerated.

GLAAD commends CBS for its ultimate handling of Wright's inappropriate
remarks.

GLAAD promotes fair, accurate, and inclusive representation as a means of
challenging discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.


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Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
glaad@glaad.org
http://www.glaad.org

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, GLAAD, is a national
organization that promotes fair, accurate and inclusive representation of
individuals and events in the media as a means of combatting homophobia and
all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity.
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