in World News Boston boo-birds flip on Wanda Sykes after anti-Trump rant
Comedian’s Donald Trump take no laughing matter
Famed comedian Wanda Sykes gave the TD Garden crowd the middle finger as she walked off the stage last night after her rant about President-elect Donald Trump was met by a chorus of boos from some of the thousands who turned out for the 22nd annual Comics Come Home fundraiser.
Sykes, who was the fifth comic to take the stage at the benefit for The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care, was roundly booed by many of those in attendance after the lesbian comic blasted the newly elected president for being a racist and a homophobe.
“I am certain this is not the first time we’ve elected a racist, sexist, homophobic president,” she said.
Although other comics, including Worcester native Denis Leary, waded into politics during their sets — Danvers’ own Nick DiPaolo was booed during his — it seemed the crowd reacted far more harshly to Sykes’ take on Trump and the California comedian was quick to fire back.
“(Expletive) you, (expletive) you, (expletive) you,” Sykes said to the audience members who were booing her set at the country’s longest-running comedy fundraiser.
The booing began about five minutes into Sykes’ performance and she stayed on stage to finish her set, also delivering jokes on topics outside of the political realm.
But before she left the stage, Sykes flipped the three-quarters capacity crowd the finger when the boo-birds came back out to send her off the stage.
Before she exited stage left, a woman came out and gave Sykes a hug and a big kiss while throwing up a peace sign, prompting wild cheers from the audience.
As he came out to introduce the next comic in the lineup, Leary defended Sykes, telling the crowd she came all the way from L.A. for the benefit and deserved their respect.
Sykes wasn’t the first celebrity to sound off after Trump’s shocking Election Day win — Madonna, Mark Ruffalo, T.I., Meek Mill and Taran Killam participated in a protest march to Trump Tower in New York City earlier this week.
Miley Cyrus, Lena Dunham, Amy Schumer, Jon Stewart, Cher, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson were among those who said they’d leave the country if he won.
The lineup for the fundraiser usually hinges on comedians who have gotten their start in and around the Hub, and this year upped the local ante. Also on tap was Bill Burr (from Canton), Lenny Clarke (Boston), Robert Kelly (ditto), and Jay Larson (Stoneham). Wendy Liebman and Sykes were the other comedy A-listers on the bill. The Cam Neely Foundation provides comfort, support and hope to adult and pediatric cancer patients and their families.