Actor Kal Penn speaks out about his experience with racism in Hollywood

[@Leelz247]

"Your little cousins should be glad you're even allowed on TV." WOW.

[@dorianshadesofgray]

And they should know that he's an actor who is playing an Indian American.. just like white actors might have to play a the party of New Yorker or a Texan or whatever

[@ronm9357]

@@dorianshadesofgray you miss the point.

[@DeeDarling]

Still a long way to go… ☝🏾

[@RaymondHng]

@@dorianshadesofgray And what does an "Indian-American" sound like? They do not all speak like they are workers in an Indian call center.

[@u.synlig]

@@dorianshadesofgray Well, he didn’t just _”play”_ an Indian-American. He *is* an Indian-American; he wanted the Hollywood creative-types to realize that a person who is born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere else in the U.S.) _is_ American, is most likely to _sound_ American, is likely to have a broadly American worldview, and to reflect American culture. The producers wanted him to affect an Indian accent (as a character born in the U.S.), not because it enhanced his character’s role, but because _they_ - stuck in a rut of facile and infantile humor - thought that Indian accents are “funny,” and stereotypical. [Do you think it frequently happens that a Hollywood show producer’s casting plan includes, “Let’s have a blond character; so that would, of course, have to be a Norwegian-American ...or a Swedish-American - and he will have to speak in a Scandinavian-style, ‘sing-song’ speech pattern”? Probably not. “Othering” is probably not the general experience.]

[@TheLastHotSauce]

Ahhhh... the "you speak good English!" compliment... I just respond, "Thanks! You speak good English too!"

[@lumpy0100]

Thanks ThatLastHotSauce Et Al🙂. ... Sherbet Not "You speak English well" Ie, isn't English only English Y'All?😁

[@npc-ro6mv]

Oh wow a compliment! How offensive! GTFO

[@MrAugustBlack]

@@npc-ro6mv Have you ever been told you speak good English??

[@npc-ro6mv]

@@MrAugustBlack I have. And?

[@brennam954]

@@npc-ro6mv Do you know what a BACKHANDED compliment is?

[@tombrakey6022]

0:15 you really FEEL how sincere the news anchor is describing Kal’s career

[@daoyang223]

Don't think CNN gives a shit about anyone besides themselves lol

[@arcturionblade1077]

"Your English is really good!" is one of those backhanded compliments I always get and it's just annoying. I was born and raised in New York and went to school there so, yeah...

[@iamwhoyousayiam6773]

People are annoying. Tone policing is infinitely more annoying than a poor compliment.

[@LindaC616]

Even beyond race...I had a colleague from NZ who finished college here. For his citizenship exam, they asked for proof he could speak English 🤦‍♀️. The ignorance is real....he brought them a copy of his dissertation

[@josettedaejung6309]

I was born in Australia, and have lived in California for 10 years. I have never been anywhere near South Korea. If I had a dime for every time a stranger asked me if I speak English, I'd be rich.

[@michaelbonhomme3219]

What’s crazier is that an accent is an indicator of being AT LEAST BILINGUAL OR TRILINGUAL🤯🤯🤯 There’s probably some study out that explains how that’s an indicator of intellect, strength, or even brain development!! They found that taxi drivers had well documented brain expansion in the area attributed to memorization and general local geo survival potential

[@dorianshadesofgray]

@Josette Dae Jung come on ! Australians don't speak English , we speak strayan .

[@birajguha4797]

I hated it when he got killed off in House MD. Later learnt about his job in Obama WH !

[@BlackCatRachel]

I miss that show House!

[@u.synlig]

SPOILER ALERT!! 😄😄

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

I did, too.

[@QueenOfTheNorth65]

@@u.synlig It’s almost 20 years old...😂

[@Jamietheroadrunner]

His character committed suicide and every other character’s reaction to his death was so brutally realistic! Loved him on House!! And of course, I loved him even more in Harold & Kumar!

[@noemiperez8447]

"I don't think I'll run for office, which I think was your actual question." Smooth

[@AshaSelfsDemoFilms]

Is it ironic how he talks about American Racism then about Gahndi?

[@skeletontoes7692]

It just like when Catholics mention Mother Teresa. In actuality she was quite loathsome. Just a shill for the Catholic faith spreading disease and getting rich. Why, did she go to hospitals? Curious that she didn't die in squalor.

[@ricka4192]

???

[@xxvolution]

He said his grandparents told him about Gandhi to eat his carrots.

[@AshaSelfsDemoFilms]

@@xxvolution yes, the irony being he unwittingly avoided and was completely unaware of one racism … just to be subjected to another on another continent.😳

[@gazpachopolice7211]

Why? What's ironic about that? Gandhi himself experienced racism.

[@coupleofbeers31]

He (and even people straight from India) speaks better English than like 99% of the people in the American South and than the blue collar American crowd everywhere else. He is very educated and well-spoken. LOVE this dude.

[@brett19890]

He was racially profiled by Mathew Perry during TSA screening and on the plane by by an old lady while going to Amsterdam with his best pal Harold.

[@jonathanharris9924]

That bothered him he's a snowflake.

[@oeuvichet]

Hillo

[@antihypocrisy8978]

Affirmative action is racist

[@jonathanharris9924]

@Woke Progressive 2.0 its not Brandon Trump trash.

[@allmotorhash]

@Woke Progressive 2.0 LeT s Go bRaNdOn

[@gtr5racer]

The amount of ignorance in the comments is astounding! Greetings from Mexico!

[@bcole1637]

i had no idea that we was gay!!! news to me, but im happy for him! i wish him and his partner with all the happiness in the world

[@brennam954]

Ikr? For some reason, this is like the most shocking celebrity coming-out-of-the-closet story to me! Good for him for choosing to be open about that part of his life and for finding happiness.

[@FuzzyStayBuzzin183]

When people tell me they experience racism in America I always tell them this welcome to America 💯

[@jessicah4462]

We can always tell you goodbye. The only country sooo racist we have people beating down the doors to get in. Maybe you should tell them how awful we are, save them the trouble. Also loving how everyone ignores Hollywood is a leftist shthole. So who are the racists exactly?

[@tempesttempest769]

That's what america is all about.

[@HuyQLe-fe1qp]

Racism is everywhere not only in America

[@FuzzyStayBuzzin183]

And will take your shit and claim it as ours and what you going to do about it That's America.

[@roland6479]

"You speak good English".. i have heard that many times that i feel that, Am i suppose to speak bad English as an African?

[@JohnSmith-pg9ns]

What's your ethnicity - Kellyanne Conway

[@eddiemac-637]

Man y’all stfu yeaj Africans have weird accents I’m ugandan and I know

[@roland6479]

@@eddiemac-637 Having 'Weird' accent doesn't mean, the English language is bad. British accent is different from American. Does that make the English language bad? Sometimes, you just need to think before type.

[@eddiemac-637]

@@roland6479 accent is part of good English if it’s spoken there is an English accent speaking Mandarin with an accent and right punctuation does not make you a good mandarin speaker it’s makes you a competent one stop it man, Germans don’t speak good English does that make me racist for saying it?

[@diollinebranderson6553]

@@roland6479 its a fckn compliment because you took the time to learn english. like stop overthinking amd create problems where they arent my guy

[@nickbarcheck1019]

The fact that two men being in a relationship is so normalized makes my heart happy.

[@NiteDriv3r]

IT'S NOT FOR ME

[@ELP1125]

@@NiteDriv3r cry some more 😂

[@MrKenng123]

America is still very racist despite many years of progress since Martin Luther King gave a speech in Washington DC. Does anyone agree?

[@anitadrink5255]

No: nobody agrees. Holy shit this man is on cnn and lead role in many movies and you really still think racism is keeping people back?

[@MrKenng123]

@@anitadrink5255 What about the Black Lives Matter movement and the far right that stormed the Capitol Hill earlier this year? If America isn't racist, such thing would not have happened.

[@skysharksingh]

This dude is a good actor, I’ll give him that.

[@letitbeenow]

What a lovely backhanded compliment

[@skysharksingh]

@@letitbeenow Two clowns are arguing whose dog is smarter: First clown : My dog is so smart. Every morning he waits for the paperboy to come around, and then he takes the newspaper, unrolls it and brings it to me. Second clown : I know First one : How could you know? Second one : My dog told me

[@richardsemuta1089]

Kal representing NJ! 👊

[@wwemasta]

Kal Penn claims Hollywood is racist but Kal Penn acts black in American desi

[@tomsinsky5548]

I'd put Kal Penn in the top 5% or maybe even 2% or 1% of celebrity interviewees. And Tapper is always excellent too.

[@Grande79]

Tapper is excellent🤣

[@alainthibault184]

I'm with you Kal Penn on the stereotypes and racism in entertainment

[@iLLustrious85]

I'm today years old when I found out he is gay

[@AshaSelfsDemoFilms]

I didn't even catch it. Thank goodness no one cares.

[@gloriouse4458]

WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE PRICE OF RICE IN CHINA 😏

[@kingcassius2586]

I had always assumed he was already out.

[@serious7179]

I had no clue he was gay

[@iLLustrious85]

@@serious7179 I feel like that's how it should be, idk why some guys just go around waving their gayness around like it's something to be proud about

[@xxnike0629xx]

Kal Penn was in Sabrina?

[@1983jcheat]

As a Comedian just a bit younger than Kal it wasn't uncommon to hear that in the late 90s-early 2000s. I'm from NJ and outside the Northeast I would hear "Where did I learn to speak English?" Or They would say you don't look or sound Hispanic. I have a Hispanic name and I'm lighter skinned so the Racism would be very random. I was apparently Jewish, Russian, Mexican when no one in my family is in those groups. Crazy stuff.

[@ahmadzain1169]

😙😑kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqm5kmykadR9n6s

[@harisadu8998]

His name "Kal Penn" is the proof that he found that he could get more work with that name rather than his name "Kalpen" which he prefers to be called by.

[@allisonficsor1000]

Cancel Hollywood

[@shekharmoona544]

We literally hid the fact we were part indian growing up. This was because my grandma was born in Costa Rica.

[@tecpaocelotl]

One cringey accent was the one from Malibu's Most Wanted. My favorite movie he was in Harold and Kumar.

[@zazatv6822]

He's from Jersey not India !

[@rubin831]

@@zazatv6822 dude, relax

[@mamadeebuildsahouse]

Don't be hatin! Arnold and Kumar OMG! I love their movies.

[@jeffbriggs1987]

@@zazatv6822 so what? he's indian descent and he chose to take a role as a character with an indian accent. it's not racist whatsoever.

[@tecpaocelotl]

@@zazatv6822 thank you captain obvious.

[@raymondnarvaez6683]

And because he speaks out, watch him not be in any more movies…

[@ahmadzain1169]

😗🤫kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqm5kmykadR9n6s

[@brendawhitney336]

BS he'll be in more!!

[@DEV3N87]

He claims living in racism but was in arguably one of the most racist movies, playing on every stereotype possible. Wtf is that about

[@jj1106]

@@DEV3N87 Because those were the majority of roles that were available to non-white actors at that time. Is he supposed to continuously turn down work, based on principle? Principles don’t pay the bills. Maybe read the book?

[@DEV3N87]

@@jj1106 lmfao, how about you go watch a few movies. There have been thousands of movies since the 70s and 80s where "minorities" didnt have to play into their stereotype

[@natellecheung8789]

My brother has a master's from UCLA and he was asked if he speaks English. He met some Hollywood execs. He's so talented and has to go abroad for directorial opportunity.

[@goobermcgilicuty3754]

Hollywood is the phony version of anti racism. Sure they will talk it, but they obviously dont walk it. Sick..... and I mean that in a psychological power hungry sense of the word!!

[@chrisministerofsmartarsery3322]

100%. Same folks knew about Weinstein & said nothing. Money over morals & character.

[@carlosrivas3837]

You just described most democrats and some republicans. They don’t protect the China biological warfare laboratory for nothing

[@briangriffin5701]

Trump 100% knew that his friend Jeffrey Epstein was "into young girls". Money over morals.

[@carlosrivas3837]

@Kevin Dev my dear Kevin, you can have both, tribe and truth. Don’t be racist, what do you have against native Americans

[@carlosrivas3837]

@Kevin Dev hell no; however many native Americans have worked for Hollywood. But like every time , got screwed. Another fake promise of the white liberals. Over 400 tribes in Mexico, don’t act like native Americans Americans were only North of the Rio Grande. Word of mouth is worth its weight in gold among native Americans. White man , mostly liberals have learned a mastery with deception. No more We will not exchange our principles by voting for your masters any longer….. we are perfectly capable of protecting ourselves against the white supremacy….. so please get off this false narrative. When I hear my people cry and plead, it angers me. We must fight and beat the white man at his game. So far we have been very peaceful and intend to seek peace Bottom line: tribe and truth are not mutually exclusive Let’s go Brandon!

[@chrisubias7135]

The Harold and Kumar series were funny as Sh!t. They will go down as a great comedic duo like Pryor and Wilder

[@dixonuranus9043]

Is the Chinese guy on top or bottom?

[@chrisubias7135]

@Abe Froman uh what? Off topic

[@chrisubias7135]

@Mot Goaiu what the hell kinda really off topic

[@chrisubias7135]

@Abe Froman ah, are you jealous

[@chrisubias7135]

@Abe Froman one of what?

[@persaud101]

How about his cack meat 🍖 experience with Big Bob??

[@anitadrink5255]

Lol

[@darkmikerises]

“Fuck you donuts are awesome”

[@jdmmg4904]

I'm happy to see where he's at in life right now 💟

[@CanadianCrusader99]

I had no idea this dude was gay.

[@Gabster1990]

He really passes off as straight.

[@DEV3N87]

Hes doing it for publicity im sure

[@ryanburch6308]

Looking at the thumbnail, I thought CNN was interviewing the actor in Eternals & Silicone Valley. Shit, maybe I'm a little racist. My bad

[@sugadagud3093]

Its okay. I thought it was the same guy. We all a little racist.

[@jessicah4462]

You think making an honest mistake is racism? This is why words have meanings and not feelings. You should be more ashamed about the latter. You give racists cover. Good job, smh.

[@knockshinnoch1950]

I only recently became aware of Kal when I got a NETFLIX subscription and binged on Designated Survivor. I was surprised to discover he actually did work in the White House for real under Obama. He comes across as a really decent grounded intelligent man. His sexuality ? Who cares it's 2021.

[@rubenluna2495]

So, he worked under Obama, you can bet he loved his time at the white house just as Monica did.

[@merlinthewizard3680]

Sucks that he had to go through those traumatic experiences decades ago. I’m sorry things didn’t work out for him in this racist country with racist TV

[@josebocanegra4477]

He should apologize to Harold for being racist towards him.

[@skontheroad]

OR...Maybe Mindy and Aziz paved their own way for themselves! I found that the most ignorant and clueless comment of all!

[@zainkhanrealtor8198]

Agree with you 100%. Jake speaks of Kal as if he is a trailblazer

[@lordbogdanoff5002]

Damn fucking Ricky Gervais being hinting this during fucking award show 😂

[@DeborahWalkerXOXO]

Kenneth R Koch was the director. Looking at his filmography, his comment makes sense.

[@DeborahWalkerXOXO]

@John Doe there's a meme for this. It involves reaching...

[@avilla4013]

@AL Call out at least 5 black people for racism.

[@DeborahWalkerXOXO]

@AL if I see it, I'll be sure to find you and let you know...

[@darkuser9992]

For most Americans, racism starts and ends with the black guy

[@IWearShaqs]

Nice to see Kal Penn in the news. Haven't seen that man in awhile...

[@Dan210871]

Another guy from New Jersey who is awesome. Good to know there's many of us.

[@1983jcheat]

Yeah. We produce so many stars back home. The list is very long.

[@darrenmiller6927]

How awful. Good on him for not letting them stop him. I admire him for this for sure. He should do well in public service, very charismatic, if he chooses. I hope he continues in entertainment.

[@fortisfortunaadiuvat9262]

New York City is experiencing a major staffing crisis as thousands of workers, including first responders, are on put on unpaid leave due to the city’s vaccine mandate. The mayor’s office confirmed, 9,000 city employees were placed on leave without pay Monday.

[@Team_Banchamek]

And CNN is focusing on mean words 🤣🤣🤣

[@govtmule5320]

Was much cooler smoking dope with George Bush in his den. That was hilarious.

[@JackKincaid..]

Dude, change your name. It's already taken..

[@janeviola2017]

Hollywood would never cast an Indian man as a superhero. We've seen a Black and Asian super hero and an Indian one isn't on the list.

[@nickisnyder3450]

Loved him in designated survivor

[@InspectahSu]

You and I both

[@Aalliiiq]

Yo that show was so fucking dark. Especially the second and third seasons

[@KatherineUribe-1]

I'll have to read the book. I knew there was more to him than the funny stuff. Congratulations on finding a life mate. Isn't so easy these days!

[@iamwhoyousayiam6773]

A comedian that can't take a joke lol

[@sourpotpie2000]

Lol have you been to India??? Indian discriminate you based not just by race but by wealth, which part of India you are from, your caste. Try and say something to your father without being discriminated my by age or your gender too.

[@brennam954]

@Unco Bill You've had enough apple schnapps, Unco Bill. It's time to go night-night.

[@CarpeDiem-ml5ld]

@@sourpotpie2000 chill clueless boy

[@bkit5]

Lol 😂 Hollywood did the same thing to Russell Peters when he was the 2 highest paid comedian in the world in 2014, make 23 million dollars a year on stand up. 😂 They don’t give a shit. The turned down Bruce Lee so many time he had to go back to Hong Kong to become an action hero actor. 😂

[@tessietesoro7407]

You can't change the minds of some Americans who couldn't accept that there are different skin colour in their country.

[@iDriveAhondaCivic]

Democratic Party, let me give you some solid advice. Please stop glorifying celebrities. It makes all of us look stupid.

[@yettaplotz2155]

Wrong! Trump supporters in the US make America look stupid,

[@utha2665]

@Irish American LMAO, gold 😂😂😂😂

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

@@yettaplotz2155 no it is you folks with Trump derangement syndrome. Grow up, Biden and Obamas government are making America a joke.

[@mhall801]

@@yettaplotz2155 👈. You say as biden poops his pants while with the Pope and then falls asleep during the climate conference. All I have to say to that is LETS GO BRANDON 👍👍👍👍

[@mhall801]

@@KneeJerkReactions13 👈. Exactly

[@mariomario1462]

Wait what?? What about this is racist? The writers needed someone with an Indian accent. Sounds like he was a brat and didn't want to do the job.

[@warready2183]

Your racist

[@mariomario1462]

@@warready2183 lol nice trolling

[@pizzaishappiness7994]

New H&K movie? 🤞.....' Go see Kal,go see Kal, go see Kal! 🤣🤣

[@germangutierrez7640]

Please Kal give us another Harold and Kumar movie!

[@arcturionblade1077]

I think Kal Penn and John Cho have moved beyond that type of low brow comedic humor. Not to say I didn't enjoy the H&K movies, but they're both doing bigger and better things these days.

[@mikejohnson3338]

@Win Big with Lena & Mike what's this "we"?!? Speak for yourself, Mike.

[@RaymondHng]

He's 44 now.

[@georgeykitheka]

@@RaymondHng so what?

[@snicksabea]

The Namesake is amazing.

[@ahmadzain1169]

🤪🤑kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqm5kmykadR9n6s

[@78thandSynth]

How is this news?

[@faerefolke]

Always loved Kal Penn. Love him even more now.

[@CanalPSG]

Aaaah... Hollywood! The city whose members lecture the world every year on how to behave justly!

[@billyforkell1501]

Enjoy your work. You speak New Jersey. 😂 I'm a New Yorker. Lol New Jersey always ends 2nd.! Please be around for a long time. Enjoy your Wedding!😊😊😊

[@bigbobno11]

Let's go brand let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon let's go Brandon

[@madebyclouds5982]

good thing he didn't become a victim. Good thing he kept pushing on and now he's a world-famous actor and multi-millionaire in the same industry he's trying to call racist. Good job

[@praetentious2925]

Did you listen to him?

[@youknowwhoiamgoddammit1763]

He spoke at my alma mater when he was promoting his Van Wilder spin-off, and during the Q&A session, I remember asking him about his home state of New Jersey and what it was like since I’ve never been (and still haven’t). I only remember the last part: that he’d rather live anywhere in the world than live in Los Angeles.

[@jamesrlewin]

Actors make a living faking it. They are also obedient. They do what they are told.

[@joamo7701]

Ah, I C that U C, what ‘they’ C. Good job! My 🎩 off 2 U.

[@stanleylizewski616]

@@joamo7701 baldwin needs a prop gun test dummy..--..--

[@mikejohnson3338]

@@stanleylizewski616 be nice stan

[@freepatriot9070]

Oscar Keep the bedroom out of this 😁

[@xiaoka]

Yes. Trump was ‘acting’ this whole time! Pretending to be a successful business person!

[@thomasreedy4751]

Maybe people don’t know this, but English is an official language in India as a result of colonialism. So when you tell someone from India that they speak good English - regardless of their accent it is really insulting. That’s like telling someone from the Deep South in the USA - you speak good English. Because in all likelihood English could be the primary language of someone from India.

[@akragt01]

Boo hoo tom

[@SoManyRandomRamblings]

I must have a tin ear, cuz I didn't hear an accent with his character. My ears are broken 🤣

[@HumanBeingsRThinkingBeings]

Mind Begs the Question: Anti Semitism - Sternly dealt with Racism,Islamophobia - if not Equally Sternly dealt with Judiciary & Govt - Fair,Racist?

[@sevoustionrenee6526]

But he is a inspiration to south east Asians because some doors open for others to walk in

[@Kane-ib5sn]

Kal Penn was gay, all along... I think Kal has a suitable platform for doing a reality show on his gay-ness. I mean, i think it can shed some light on the phenomenon itself - it's a don't ask don't tell world. And, Kal hid it from the world for good reason. If you're looking for a scientific explanation, i believe homosexuality has a lot to do with 'asexual' status - that there was a time when all life is asexual. so, it is a return to the 'norm'. the question is, why the genes show up with high frequency...?

[@Dei1751____]

Where are all the cynical critics whenever a white pop superstar cries fowl? Why is it so difficult for people to relate to the trauma certain people experience but not others?

[@seanm3226]

Trauma?

[@dipdo7675]

Trauma?? Wow your comment is theatrical, dramatic and hilarious!! Stop the blowing up of tiny little things!!

[@neilmarshall5087]

Britney has had her moment.... and succeeded... ..... On to the next one now....

[@catg8107]

I never knew he was gay.

[@rubin831]

I feel guilty for loving the role he played National Lampoon's Van Wilder.

[@freddygaulman5493]

Lol why? Nobodys judging you

[@carlosrivas3837]

You should feel guilty. White liberals are the true racist. Vote republican. We don’t see color, religion, race, culture, ethnicity or gender. WE SEE GREATNESS IN EVERYONE

[@adamn7516]

@@carlosrivas3837 Either the sarcasm is so thick you can cut it with a knife or you are completely blind.

[@carlosrivas3837]

@@adamn7516 I appreciate your thoughts. Remember, you guys are the party of tolerance ( to include brown people like me can freely chose the candidates of our choice). Let’s go Brandon

[@kellyalves756]

@@adamn7516 Or it’s a catchphrase spouting bot.

[@JaiMahadevv27]

If you’re reading this, Kal, as an Indian who grew up in North America, I think I speak for our entire community when I say this: we’re so proud of you! ❤️

[@rayleigh8]

Here we go. Why doesn’t he speaks about Bollywood racism? Oh you know why, because he wouldn’t have made it for being too dark skinned

[@sm512]

Colorism is everywhere, even among white folks, that's why blue eyes and blonde hair is seen as more favorable and beautiful among Caucasians.

[@arcturionblade1077]

Nice whataboutism there, comrade. In case you missed it, the topic was the issue of racism and colorism in America, particularly in Hollywood. Not in India. Just because there is racism and colorism in India, that somehow makes it OK for it to exist in America? Is that really what you're trying to infer here? To borrow a quote from Omni-Man, "Think, rayleigh8, think!" Especially before you type or open your mouth.

[@simplythebest286]

@@arcturionblade1077 so it's ok when it exists in india but it is a HUGE problem when it comes to the USA ?? nice logic !!!

[@HoneyStinger1030]

African Americans have been talking about racism in Hollywood, since Gone With the Wind. Nothing new to see here!

[@keyurpatel1982]

African Americans don't belong in Hollywood

[@Abell_lledA]

One can only try to understand an equal, judgement occurs from a pedestal🎈

[@harrismatthew5553]

I can’t wait until the day it’s not mainstream news when someone comes out.

[@SirenScorpio]

I think the news was more based on his engagement it's just society is shadowy stuck on his sexual preference... It's only what you choose to pay attention to

[@gratefulElizabeth]

Fan-fucking-tastic. All of this. 💗💪💕

[@janeviola2017]

Good for Kal Penn don't let the majority try to marginalize you into an ignorant and submissive Indian man.

[@agonzalez8924]

Whoa! I had no idea Kal penn was gay. I mean that in a complimentary way, because I believe no matter what side of argument you fall on; whether you're born that way or choose to be, we can all agree that the men who are gay that also are very flamboyant or effeminate, actually are choosing to behave that way. I have no problem with gay people. But when I come across a gay man, who is making it obvious that they are gay, to me its a very intentional way of rubbing your sexual orientation in my face. As a heterosexual man it's kind of annoying because I don't feel the need to broadcast my preference for women. The fact that Kal Penn is gay and still acts like a normal guy is pretty fucking cool, and I would definitely have a few beers with him.

[@dabblerdeluxe775]

yeah he doesn't seem gay at all

[@michaelschwartz8730]

Ever thought maybe you're rubbing your heterosexuality in gay people's faces without even realizing you were doing it? Because "normal" is a little subjective. Most of us hold too much in to keep you from feeling too uncomfortable, when we know you wouldn't return the favor. None of this to do with Kal Penn, though, who's pretty damn cool...and cute ;)

[@shelley6477]

This is an awful, naive, ignorant, backhanded compliment… much like the ‘good-English’ comments he’s gotten. Ppl need to come out from under their rocks and join the rest of society and humanity -

[@dabblerdeluxe775]

@@shelley6477 no its objective reality,look above to Michael Shwartz comment "Most of us hold too much in to keep you from feeling too uncomfortable," the reality is homosexuals genuinely do demonstrate different mannerism, Got gay relatives and siblings so go preach somewhere else

[@shelley6477]

@@dabblerdeluxe775 it’s like saying Mayor Pete isn’t ‘gay enough’ to be representative of gays bc he’s not flamboyant or effeminate. Ppl are allowed to be themselves, not made to feel they need to fit into a convenient stereotype. It’s not a choice, it’s being true to oneself. It shouldn’t be some crazy surprise that a guy who ‘seems’ straight is actually gay. Nor should it be a compliment.

[@Kai-Made]

National Treasure...not the movie...but the idea. This guy is gold. Had no idea he was gay. That does not change a thing...he is still totally one of my fav. actors.

[@Mona-Riel]

I love that answer"same umbrella" well said 👍

[@natmo664]

My experience in Santa Barbara CA was amazing, unspeakable, who would have thought?

[@angelwings1888]

It's so cool how kal Penn came out of the closet...its freedom. I came out to my parents during a dinner only to let them know that I'm actually straight but just wanted to find out how they would accept me...I've got a fantastic family and during the same dinner conversation my nephew announced that he was gay for reals. We all congratulated him for his courage and told him how proud we are of him for being so true to us and especially himself...we love him so much ❤

[@ravishingravi]

Wow. So now one comes out to say they are straight.

[@woo_shynen8805]

@@ravishingravi 😭😭

[@UKfan1975]

Being the first major indian actor in Hollywood he must of gone through some shit.

[@robdi4585]

He's gay I never knew that wow interesting😳🤔

[@ngkky]

Harold and Kumar will not be going to White Castle because their hamburgers just got more expensive.

[@angelabrown1104]

Congratulations to you, Kal, on his engagement! Kudos to you for maintaining your privacy and much respect for sharing your truth with us on your terms. 🤗

[@DM-3956]

How stupid and irrational it is to have an East India actor use an India accent when acting a part in a sitcom. How racist. Instead have a white actor darken his skin and do it instead. It didn't bother him enough not to take the part. He wasn't forced, he chose to capitulate but could have refused. Don't have any Chinese Actors Kung Fu Fighting or African Am Actors play to role of a slave like Oprah & Whoopi in The Color Purple.. Movies, Plays, Theater stories are all based on stereotypes and Actors by their very nature play act those roles. Cut the Crap. You're an actor playing a role. Don't take the part if you feel it's racist.

[@rayleigh8]

Casting director: Hey I’m looking for someone to do an Indian character You should hire an Indian actor DONE Indian actor doesn’t want to do Indian accent and thinks it’s racism Is this Indian guy crazy. They were looking for an Indian with an Indian accent. This is not racism.

[@iamwhoyousayiam6773]

He's a comedian that can't take a joke. Now people can't even compliment others. This is getting absurd

[@vickknewzeus7443]

@@iamwhoyousayiam6773 what?

[@simplythebest286]

with some people , everything is racist !!!! don't try to explain !!!

[@simplythebest286]

@@vickknewzeus7443 when peopke tell you : your english is good . all you have to say is : thank you , not , OMG , that's so racist !!!!

[@RaymondHng]

@@simplythebest286 "Thank you. So is yours."

[@JewWithAClue]

i was kal penns pen pal at the cal pen

[@420thebass]

Hands down one of the most under-rated actors , did a fabulous 👌 job on designated survivor

[@robertmuckle2985]

I'm confused! How is it racist for movie creators to want an actor to portray a recently landed immigrant who DO have accents...that DO add humour to a situation COMEDY!?! And then there's the irony that this is a first world problem! LOL

[@letitbeenow]

OK Karen.

[@sourpotpie2000]

Lol have you been to India? There is so much discrimination on religion race age sex colour... fix our India first

[@ridgedatta1265]

He isnt Indian. He is American. He's allowed and encouraged to speak up on discrimination he faced and the existence of worse forms of it elsewhere doesn't negate his experiences.

[@hwiatslgeord2887]

Lmao there's 1.4bn people in india..sure india will fix if he tells them lol

[@Not-Ap]

So? Should America seek intimate India instead of the reverse. They reservation systems for their own people. Would you like America to have reservation systems for it's own people?

[@HuyQLe-fe1qp]

Racism is everywhere in the world. If you are minority or foreigners in that countries then you would be automatically vicitims of racism by majority and dominant groups in that countries.

[@ricardodsavant2965]

I will take my daily dose of cannabis cookie in 13 minutes and delicate it to you, Kal...have a nice day...🙂

[@billlee270]

What a bunch of bologna. To speak with your own accent is not racist. The guy is sensitive. That's part of your job to act. If you feel offended then don't act. Weak actor.

[@diobrando6027]

It’s a bong not a bomb

[@giovannisalamon2706]

Noticed he never mentioned Designated Survivor. Probably because that TV show sucked.