Keith Girard
Garth Brooks performs at the ASCAP Centennial Awards Nov. 17 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images)
Whoopi Goldberg, who is African-American, that’s who. So what is she? Chopped liver?
The bizarre turn of events occurred today (Nov. 26), after Brooks made the announcement. He was scheduled to appear on “The Tonight Show, Starring Jimmy Fallon,” on Thanksgiving night. The show as taped in advance.
After deliberating for 25 days, a Grand Jury decided not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, who fatally shot Michael Brown, an unarmed African-American teenager.
Brown was a suspect in a shop-lifting incident. He scuffled with the officer and Wilson said they struggled over his gun. Wilson fired 12 shots in all, including a fatal bullet to the head.
The grand jury decided his use of deadly force was justified because Brown charged the officer in a belligerent fashion.
The decision sparked riots in Ferguson and protests in at least 90 other cities, including New York where “The Tonight Show” is taped. Brooks has been on the talk show circuit promoting his comeback album Man Against the Machine.
But he begged off the show and posted his decision on his Facebook page:
“We landed in NY last night to the news of the civil unrest that was going on in our nation. To spend the day promoting our stuff like nothing was wrong, seemed distasteful to me. I will gladly reschedule any or all appearances the networks will allow. Love one another, g.”
After Brooks made his announcement, NBC followed up with its own statement, revealing that Whoopi and celebrity chef Tom Colicchio will appear instead.
Brooks sentiment is commendable, but if Whoopi is okay about appearing on the show, he may be a little too touchy-feely about the grand jury decision.
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