Protest Cuts Short Jerry Lewis Appearance

(CBS) CHICAGO A noisy protest Wednesday night cut short a Chicago appearance by entertainment legend Jerry Lewis.

Lewis was at the Chicago Library to promote his new book, "Dean and Me - A Love Story."

The auditorium was packed when Disability activists in wheelchairs began heckling Lewis.

Lewis has held telethons to fund research to find cures for people with muscular dystrophy. But members of a group called Jerry's Orphans accused him of portraying the disabled as people to be pitied.

Lewis yelled at them to get out and stormed off the stage.

When he spotted these activists in the audience that were in the front row in their wheelchairs, he even went so far as to say ; These people are going to walk out of those chairs and drive home tonight. I bought those chairs for them,’” said witness John Gabrysiak.

Disability rights activists contend Lewis would benefit more people by focusing on issues such as accessible buildings and employment.

-Background

-September 2, 1990 Parade Magazine Article
http://www.cripcommentary.com/parade.html

-Jerry Lewis Fans
http://www.jerrylewisfans.com/lofiversion/index.php/t349.html

-Alternative to MDA
http://www.mdff.org/

-Easter Seals & UCP Telethons/Celebrations
http://www.ragged-edge-mag.com/sep97/drnat9.htm

-Call to Action, From Poster Child to Protester
http://www.cripcommentary.com/LewisVsDisabilityRights.html

-The Kids Are All Right/Jerry's Orphans Documentary & Call to Action
http://www.thekidsareallright.org