Looks like we have to take back all those bad things we said about “Tommy’s Mom,” or the lady who sent a homophobic RSVP in response to an invitation sent out by two gay dads.
Turns out the whole bit was a terrible and totally not funny prank made up by New York radio hosts Steve Harper and Leeana Karlson from the K-98.3 Morning Show. Which begs us to ask the question…why?
The hosts posted an apology for the prank on the station’s website:
“This story was, in fact, totally fictitious, and created by the two of us. This was done without the knowledge of K-98.3 management or ownership. We were attempting to spur a healthy discourse on a highly passionate topic, but we made a mistake by misleading our listeners into thinking that this specific situation actually existed. We are very sorry that we perpetuated this falsehood, even after it was clear that it had taken on a ‘life of its own. We deeply apologize for violating your trust, and we will work hard to regain that trust.”
But their attempt to spark a conversation about same-sex marriage and same-sex parenting only angered those who believed this fictitious woman sent her homophobic sentiments in response to a birthday party.
Here’s the original prank, just in case you missed it:
Two dads from Baldwin, New York received a shocking surprise when they opened an RSVP to their daughter Sophia’s birthday party. The mother of Sophia’s classmate, Tommy, wrote this message on the tie-dye invitation sent by the fathers:
“Tommy will NOT attend. I do not believe in what you do and will not subject my innocent son to your ‘lifestyle.’”
The note continued:
“I’m sorry Sophia has to grow up this way. If you have an issue or need to speak to me…”
But now that we know it was all a prank, and a shitty one at that, the station manager is speaking out. In a statement posted to the station’s website, the manager apologized for the joke and announced the suspension of the two hosts.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014, the K-98.3 (WKJY) Morning Show with Steve and Leeana aired a story about a girl’s birthday party and one parent’s objection to the same-sex situation of that girl’s parents.
After this aired, it was brought to K-98.3 management’s attention that all the details of the story were completely fabricated independently by Steve and Leeana. This was done without the knowledge of K-98.3 management or ownership. The story, presented as a real event, was, in fact, fictitious. An internal investigation was quickly launched which has resulted in the immediate suspension of Steve Harper and Leeana Karlson from the K-98.3 Morning Show.
In an effort to move forward, K-98.3 has been speaking with local community organizations, such as the Long Island GLBT Services Network, to ensure the fabricated story does not result in further damages with respect to the GLBT community.
Note to those two: spreading hate is never in style. Oh, and it can leave you unemployed.
SOURCE: K983 | PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook
