Eddie Griffin

Saying whatever he wants

Never one to shy away from controversy, Eddie Griffin is somewhat of a rebel. Back in 2007, his repeated use of the ‘N’ word during a corporate golf and tennis retreat hosted by US magazine Black Enterprise, got him kicked off stage – but Griffin is unremorseful. Firmly believing that comedy should be received as such, the 41-year-old – who starred in the films Deuce Bigalo Male Gigolo and Date Movie – pretty much says as he pleases on stage. He says what he wants in interviews too. Ask him about the report that TMZ.com carried earlier this year – the report that alleged Griffin donated a giant-sized cheque to a college-graduate programme, and that the cheques subsequently bounced (http://www.fillingthevoid.co.uk/profiles/blogs/griffin-accused-of-bouncing) – and he makes no secret of what he thinks of the popular site!

However, the Missouri-born funnyman is far more tight-lipped when it comes to discussing his family life. But as he prepares for his first UK shows next week, Griffin remained in comedy mode when he chatted with FillingTheVoid.co.uk – even managing to deliver his rebuttals to questions with humour.

Will your upcoming UK show feature the straight-talking comedy style we’re used to from you?
Most definitely – and then some! I give the butt-naked truth.

You’re really not worried about sparking controversy are you?
There’s no such thing as controversy. Controversy is put together by asshole people who want to control everyone else’s life because theirs is boring!

You’re never scared that you might cross that fine line between making people laugh and causing offense?
Fine line? What, are we drawing pictures here? Nobody’s ever offended me. I’ll tell you what’s offensive: a child molester. That’s offensive. But somebody telling a joke? Come on!

But you know how the ‘N’ word can evoke anger in us as black people...
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me – you learn that in f*****g grade school! Anybody don’t like what I do, they don’t need to come to my show!

Fair enough. What was that business about you giving those college graduates a cheque that bounced?
People just try to drag up anything they can. TMZ have to find something to put up on their rag of a s**t. That was bulls***t. People like being in the news. We are living in that time – with the internet – where everybody can say what they want and get their 15 minutes of fame. Everybody’s gonna be famous soon. Soon enough, I might have to turn around and interview you!

People don’t care about me but you’re in the public eye so they care about you.
They don’t care about me – some people are just nosey! But I’m wise enough to separate my professional life and my personal life. You gotta know how to separate. You don’t see Denzel [Washington] dragging his kids all about the place.

Speaking of kids, how many have you got? Some reports say you’ve got eight...
That’s nobody’s business. My kids’ lives are private. The media’s always prying into somebody’s business... How many kids you got? Where does your mama live?

You’re on comedy fire aren’t you? I’m not trying to be nosey! I’m just putting questions to you so that you have the opportunity to set the record straight on what’s true and what’s false!
Really? Who else have you interviewed? I’m sorry, did I say interviewed? I meant tortured! We could use your ass in Guantanamo Bay!

The jokes just keep coming with you! Ok, who are your comedy inspirations?
Richard Pryor, Richard Pryor and Richard Pryor. And Bill Cosby. Oh, and Reverend Al Sharpton. I know he’s not a comedian, but that crazy-haired mother f****r should’ve been! I have never seen a black Dracula walking down the street saying ‘we shall overcome!’ Get that boy a new perm!

I have to go before I die of laughter! But finally, do you have any career regrets?
I can’t say that I do. The past is the past and the future is yet to happen, so I just enjoy the present. Yesterday is over and tomorrow isn’t here yet, so right now, I’m totally in this interview with you.

Eddie Griffin will perform two UK dates. July 26: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, London W6 – call 08448 44 47 48 or visit www.hammersmithapollo.net. July 27: Civic hall, Wolverhampton – call 0870 320 7000 or visit www.wolvescivic.co.uk.