LL Cool J whines; Fox News cuts his segment

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After actor/rapper LL Cool J whined on Twitter about Fox News using an interview he had given them in 2008 for its "Real American Stories" special, FNC said in essence, "Cool, J. We don't need that segment for our program anyway." The interview had been slated to be part of the premier episode of a series hosted by Sarah Palin in the cable network's Thursday night time slot where Greta Van Susteren's "On the Record" usually airs, and it will repeat on Sunday night.

At Mediaite, Steve Krakauer explains where LLCJ is right and where he's wrong:

• “Fox lifted an old interview” – Yes, it appears they did. The LL (and Jack Welch) segments were never billed as actual Palin interviews, just that they were to be featured in the show. It sounds like Palin will just be fronting these pieces, as opposed to the Toby Keith interview, which sounds more like a sit-down.

• “…I gave in 2008 to someone else” – No, it looks like he did indeed give the interview to Fox News. Or, at the very least, to a Fox News-run website.

• “…& are misrepresenting to the public” – It has been a little unclear through the promo what exactly Palin’s role will be. It sounds like it won’t be a pure interview show, although the Los Angeles Times reports she “interviewed people in studio for some of the segments.” Clearly, though, not LL.

• “…in order to promote Sarah Palins Show” – Honestly, I can’t imagine how many FNC viewers come over because LL Cool J will be featured. Toby Keith, sure, but LL? If you were planning on watching the special before, you likely still would have if LL Cool J wasn’t involved. No offense, LL.

• “…WOW.” – Yeah, wow is right. This special will likely garner huge ratings, and this extra publicity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But it does make it a little surreal.

Fox News, which apparently had enough unused material in the can to fill LLCJ's spot, decided the special will do just fine without the whiner and issued this statement:

Real American Stories features uplifting tales about overcoming adversity and we believe Mr. Smith’s interview fit that criteria. However, as it appears that Mr. Smith does not want to be associated with a program that could serve as an inspiration to others, we are cutting his interview from the special and wish him the best with his fledgling acting career.

Translation: "We don't need you, chump. We've got Sarah. So if you don't want to be associated with a positive and uplifting program which would have shown you in a good light, then go ahead and show the world your backside instead. We'll be more than than happy to give someone else the air time."

Bottom Line: Palin Derangement Syndrome is indeed a mental disease and it can often be self-defeating.

More from Ian Lazaran here.

- JP