FIRED: Gilbert Gotfried No Longer Voice of Aflac Duck

Comedian Gilbert Gotfried is known for his censor-less humor when it comes to delicate subject matters, we all remember his infamous 9/11 joke, right? Now his crass sense of humor, this time via Twitter, has gotten him fired from Aflac, where he was the voice of their popular duck mascot. (It should be noted, Gotfried was not the voice of the Aflac Duck in Japan).

The tweets have since been deleted, but you can view two of them below…

@RealGilbert
Gilbert GottfriedJapan called me. They said ‘maybe those jokes are a hit in the U.S., but over here, they’re all sinking.’ 1 day ago via twitgoo · powered by @socialditto

@RealGilbert
Gilbert GottfriedI was talking to my Japanese real estate agent. I said ‘is there a school in this area.’ She said ‘not now, but just wait.’ 1 day ago via twitgoo · powered by @socialditto

Aflac Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Zuna said, “Gilbert’s recent comments about the crisis in Japan were lacking in humor and certainly do not represent the thoughts and feelings of anyone at Aflac, Aflac Japan – and, by extension, Japan itself – is part of the Aflac family, and there is no place for anything but compassion and concern during these difficult times.”

Just last week Aflac announced that the company was donating 100 million yen to the International Red Cross for disaster assistance to help with the tragedy over in Japan.

In the release, Aflac says that they will immediately set plans in motion to conduct a nationwide casting call to find a new voice talent for the duck.

Do you think Gotfried got what he deserved? Tell us what you think.

There are 18 Comments. Add Yours.

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Mike
March 15, 2011 at 9:27 am

I’ve never been a fan of Gilbert but he should have watched what he said. Lots of people in the US have friends & family in Japan. There’s a time/place for things and this just wasn’t the time for this. I wonder if Aflac will be putting out any advertising that will sort of make up for his insensitive remarks?
And what’s up with all the bad press with celebrities these days?

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Mike
March 15, 2011 at 10:46 am

Way to screw up what had to be the easiest paying gig on the planet…. Show up, yell AFLAC! into a microphone, take check.

Moron.

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  Jeremy Muncy
  March 15, 2011 at 10:54 am
  
  I wonder how much Aflac was paying him to be the voice of the duck
  
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Whitney Pannell
March 15, 2011 at 10:55 am

Repulsive! #fail

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John bra elevbehandling i Stockholm
March 15, 2011 at 12:55 pm

Now even the lost beyond all hope Charlie Sheen is donating to Japan. I knew he had it in him. Thumbs up!

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Keiry
March 15, 2011 at 1:23 pm

Poor guy…this is the only way has-beens can get publicity.

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Free Money Making Videos
March 15, 2011 at 5:57 pm

He deserved it. I hope he learnt his lesson now.

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LAS
March 16, 2011 at 1:01 pm

The jokes were in bad taste given that Japan is STILL dealing with the crisis, i.e. the jokes were too soon – next year during their recovery would have been more acceptable. However, firing him seems a little extreme. Expecially when the WNBA does nothing to idiots like Cappie Pondexter who tweet blatantly racist remarks about the Japanese and the crisis.

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  Roger
  March 17, 2011 at 7:15 pm
  
  Granted the jokes were in bad taste and inappropriate. However, if bad taste was a reason to be fired, there would be no more Fox news.
  
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kristin
March 17, 2011 at 1:51 am

Completely unexceptable. There is an ongoing horrible crisis in Japan. They were in very bad taste and he should be smart enough to know better. He deserves whatever he gets

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Clavin
March 19, 2011 at 12:49 am

Gilbert has no filter whatsoever – already been established (911 jokes). I agree with poster above who commented what a moron he was for giving up a one-word gig that probably paid hundred of thousands of dollars. Wonder if he’ll think twice about what he tweets now…….doubt it.

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Jess
March 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm

The fact is… Aflac is THE biggest insurance company in Japan. 3 out of 5 people have it there. It was a huge milestone for the company when it happened so no doubt they are going to do something “extreme” in regards to such a heavy topic for everyone involved in the disaster. What a jerk.

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Noah
March 27, 2011 at 11:01 am

I think he basically screwed himself and he needs to take an attitude check, a voice check, and over all, a self check for a freacking heart for the people in japan

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  Glenn
  April 1, 2011 at 9:28 pm
  
  The real disgusting part is instead of 100,000 people on Gotfried’s twitter account knowing about it now million’s can repeat it and act outraged. The media gets to say the lines over and over again and act as if them repeating it doesn’t add to the problem. NO one in Japan heard about this until the media picked it up. Congrats on your outrage.
  The hypocrites at Aflac are sitting now figuring how not to pay too many legitimate claims in Japan. No joke will add up to the human misery they dream up with their exclusions.
  
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Smeghead
April 28, 2011 at 8:40 am

Good for you Mr.Gottfried! Have the Japs ever realy apologised for PEARL HARBOR any way!

It’s called Humor- it can be brutal at times.(If Johnny Carson were still alive people would have pissed themselves laughing if he did those jokes!) It’s also called FREEDOM OF SPEECH!

Way to go Gilbert! keep that middle finger up turned & pointed at the land of the rising bung & tell them all to KISS YOUR FREE AMERICAN ASS!

The pussification of this nation has ben it’s ruination!

Nuke the gay Liberals for Christ!

Life is the Joke & Death is the Punchline! Too bad Sam Kinison is not still with us then you’d know what offensive realy is!

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don
May 17, 2011 at 8:05 pm

yes he got what he deserved.it’s time that this country fessed up the the fact that our politicians,legal system and big business are too big for thier britches and need to be smacked on thier peepees for the mismanagment, misappropriation and other misdeeds.Let’s straighten our country out now before it’s too late.Try the KISS theory folks.

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  don
  May 17, 2011 at 8:10 pm
  
  in regards to the fool who noted “have the japs ever really appologised for Pearl Harbor”- try putting the blame where it really belongs – Our government knew of this days ahead of the attack and did nothing so as to have a “REASON” to enter the war.Check your history people!
  
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Krister Zara
June 28, 2011 at 1:49 pm

Yeah I think he need to be carefull with his comments. I guess he doesnt notice that he could be hurting someone. There was a event organised by Muslim Marriage Events where they had a comedian at thier event. He made fun at people but it was light hearted