Update: Al Sharpton Fights Back?

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The always-reputable TMZ.com is reporting that a spokesperson for Sharpton’s National Action Network (who helped organized the recent anti-bad language protests) has responded to rapper David Banner’s (real name: Levell Crump) expletive-laden rant about Sharpton with some bad language of her own. The spokesperson, Kristen John-Foy, apparently referring to Banner’s invitation for Sharpton to “suck [his] d***,” released this statement:

From time to time we do encounter people that have sexual fantasies about Reverend Al Sharpton, but they are always women and Crump’s proposition is a first. I am sure Rev. Sharpton would not call Crump the “N” “B” or “H” word. And, despite Crump’s personal request, I am sure Reverend Sharpton would not call him a f*****. He would just pray for him. We at NAN are pro civil rights for everyone, even Levell Crump who has not had a banner year since his debut album in 2003.

TMZ says another spokesperson confirmed the statement was sent from Sharpton’s office, but also seemed to distance the Reverend from the comment, saying he would “never” respond directly to attacks like Banner’s. Well, somebody in your office did, and used the “F” word, with a cute, Ann Coulter-style “I’m not saying this word right here that I’m saying” trick, so they don’t get in trouble. Awesome! Keep up the good work, National Action Network!

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We just wrapped up a shorter-than-normal, urgent-as-ever fundraising drive and we came up about $45,000 short of our $300,000 goal.

That means we're going to have upwards of $350,000, maybe more, to raise in online donations between now and June 30, when our fiscal year ends and we have to get to break-even. And even though there's zero cushion to miss the mark, we won't be all that in your face about our fundraising again until June.

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