Bernhard Axed From Fundraiser After Palin 'Gang Rape' Joke

The star, most famous for her former friendship with Madonna, stunned fans at her one-woman show in Washington last month (Sep08) when she said that Palin would be gang raped if she ever set foot in New York.

Berhard told the crowd that U.S. presidential contender John MCCain's running mate could expect to be "gang-raped by my big black brothers" during the on-stage rant, in which she also slammed Palin's extreme pro-life views.

Now, bosses at the Rosie's Place women's refuge in Boston, Massachusetts have decided to cut Bernhard from their annual benefit, which the star was supposed to headline later this month (17Oct08).

A spokesperson for the centre, which mainly houses victims of domestic abuse, says, "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."

But Bernhard is adamant her quips were taken out of context, stating her comments were part of segment in her show which focused on "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."

She adds, "I certainly wish Palin no harm - I'd just like her to explain to me how she can hold such outrageous views ... and then go back to Alaska."