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Is Chris Rock's "controversy" contrived?

If we’re to believe today’s item in Variety, Chris Rock is/was in danger of being bounced as host of the upcoming Oscarcast. Rock is quoted in various outlets as saying that only gay men watch the Oscars and that giving awards for art is “idiotic.” And folks are pointing out how Rock says “fuck” a lot. Golly… I guess the folks at the Academy didn’t know what they were getting when they signed ol’ Chris for the hosting duties, huh?! What a load of horse manure.

Of course, the timing is suspicious. The Grammy broadcast was beaten by Desparate Housewives last night. (Could any broadcast have gotten any more publicity than last night’s Grammy Awards broadcast?) And this is the first Oscars since the Red beat the Blue in the Presidential Bowl. Add all that up and you have a nervous Gil Cates and a jumpy AMPAAS and a network that will do almost anything for ratings and you have the current pitiful drama.

Then, at the end of the Variety (willing accomplices in this whole sordid affair) article:

Rock’s comments appeared to be in keeping with efforts by the Academy and ABC to boost TV ratings for the Feb. 27 Oscarcast.

Bingo.