The finale to a children's pantomime of Aladdin at a New Zealand theatre was Osama bin Laden belting out the Frank Sinatra hit "New York, New York". At least one parent has lodged a complaint with Auckland's Southern Stars Charitable Trust, which commissioned the show, dubbing it "unbelievably offensive and inappropriate" and "a callous, calculated political statement", the New Zealand Herald reported. He said the character later signed books with "Love Osama".
| Quick! Somebody make popcorn! The Easily Offended™ meet the Tactless and Stoopid™... |
The show's director, David Coddington, said the finale was not intended to have relevance to the September 11 attacks on the US, adding: "If I have caused anyone offence I apologise, I'm sorry that's happened. It was very much tongue in cheek." The show was held to raise money for Radio Lollipop, an in-house station at Auckland's children's hospital and other charities. |