Comedian Jackie Mason Accused of Racism Against Prez Obama

He's a legend in his own time. But comedian Jackie Mason may have gone too far this time. He's being called out for alleged racist remarks against President Obama.

Legendary funnyman Jackie Mason was not a hit Thursday night at Feinstein's at Loews Regency on Manhattan's Upper East Side. The 72-year old Mason offended people who came to see him by referring to the President with a Yiddish word, "schvartze", which means black, but is actually pretty pejorative. Some fans booed him while others walked out. His response was unapologetic. He told TMZ Sunday night.... "I'm an old Jew. I was raised in a Jewish family where 'schvartze' was used. It's not a demeaning word and I'm not going to defend myself. If it's a racist society, the white people are the ones being persecuted because they have to defend themselves." The Reverend Al Sharpton added his view, pointing out that in 1991 Mason apologized for calling former Mayor David Dinkins "A fancy schvartze with a mustache." But Sharpton said he'd be willing to forgive Mason himself.

"At this stage in Jackie's life and career, he should get our prayers more than our responses."