Host Blames Race For Show Cancellation
BURBANK, CA - Comedian and late-night talk show host George Lopez says his show was canceled because he's Latino.
"In case you haven't heard the news, TBS has decided not to renew 'Lopez Tonight' and tomorrow will be our last night," Lopez told his audience. "The unemployment rate is high, and for Latinos, it just got a little higher!"
"I did get some good news this morning. Sony announced they're doing a sequel to the Smurfs movie," he said. "So today, I lost some work because I'm brown, but also I got some work because I'm blue."
Ratings for "Lopez Tonight" waned after TBS switched the show from 11 p.m. to midnight to make room for Conan O'Brien last fall.
O'Brien acknowledged Lopez's sacrifice on his show this week.
"Had it not been for George being so incredibly supportive of me, I would not have come to TBS and we would not be doing this show right now," said O'Brien.
"I owe that man a lot and frankly, it makes me very sad that TBS and George could not work this out. We understand, believe me, how hard this is for all of you, and we wish you all the best."
Lopez already has new projects in the works. In addition to the second Smurfs movie, he'll be touring with the legendary Carlos Santana.
STORY TAGS: George LopezHispanic News, Latino News, Mexican News, Minority News, Civil Rights, Discrimination, Racism, Diversity, Latina, Racial Equality, Bias, Equality