Comedian Sandra Bernhard Dropped From Fundraiser After Palin "Gang Rape" Joke

Boston, MA (CNS) - Comedian Sandra Bernhard was dropped by the bosses of an upcoming annual fundraiser for a women's abuse shelter after she made some disturbing jokes about Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin.

Bernhard was supposed to headline the event on October 17 until the organizers behind the charity event for Rosie's Place out of Boston heard about the comments.

Bernhard performed a stand-up show in September in Washington when she stated that Palin would be gang raped if she ever visited New York. She shocked the crowd by saying Palin could expect to be "gang-raped by my big black brothers" and went on to question Palin's views on pro-life and abortion.

In response, Leemarie Mosca, a spokesperson for the center released a statement saying, "In light of our mission, we don't think violence against women is a laughing matter. Right now, our main focus is our event and making sure the event is a success. And for us, that means not including Sandra Bernhard at this time."

Bernhard has insisted that the comment in her performance were exaggerated and taken out of context.

She states on her website that the segment was directed at "racism, freedom, women's rights, and the extreme views of Sarah Palin- a woman who doesn't believe that other women should have the right to choose."

The comedian continued, saying, "I'd just like her to explain to me how she can hold such outrageous views...and then go back to Alaska."