Williams' Digs at Aussies Spark Global Beefing

PM rips Alabama after 'English rednecks' jab; governor fires back
By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 31, 2010 10:28 PM CDT

Robin Williams’ characterization of Australians as “English rednecks” has set up a domino effect of beefing, with Alabama’s governor the latest to get his licks in. The American comedian made the remark yesterday on Letterman, prompting Australian PM Kevin Rudd to say “Robin Williams should go and spend a bit of time in Alabama before he frames comments about anyone being particularly redneck.”

That, somehow, came to the attention of Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, who, naturally, wasn’t amused. “I’m not sure if Prime Minister Rudd has ever been to Alabama,” the Republican says in a statement. “If he has, he would know that Alabamians are decent, hard working, creative people”—and name-checks an Australian shipping company that employs 1,000 of his constituents. For more on Williams’ comments, check the video above.
(More Robin Williams stories.)

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