I came across an interesting interview with Sean Penn this morning at EntertainmentWeekly.com, where the controversial actor basically said that he hopes those who are cynical of him "die screaming of rectal cancer". Sean must really detest those who question his actions because advanced rectal cancer is truly no walk in the park - I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. The actor's off-the-wall comment, however, has raised a little, much needed awareness of the disease and just in time for Colon Cancer Awareness Month!
In all seriousness, his insensitive comment greatly demeans rectal cancer patients and survivors. As another reader pointed out in the "Comments" section below, Penn would never have gotten away with saying he hoped people died of AIDS or breast cancer. Just because rectal cancer isn't a highly publicized disease doesn't mean it isn't as serious or the people it affects less tolerant.
Rectal Cancer Basics:
Thanks for saying something. As a 5 year stage 3 rectal cancer survivor, I can’t believe he said that. I also can’t believe how little outrage I’ve heard. He’d never get away with saying that about AIDS or breast cancer.
Sean Penn is as big a hypocrite as they come. He wishes death upon his cynics, but what about him. He has the freedom to speak about others like this because of the veterans that fight these nations wars protecting his freedom of speech. Yet, he is the one who opposes foreign wars and demeans those who fight for his freedoms.
You first, you little punk.
Having been diagnosed (and getting treated) for Level 4 Rectal Cancer, this comment by Mr. Penn has infuriated me. I have had both chemo and radiation treatments to reduce the size of the tumor, my rectum removed and have a permanent colostomy bag. I still need to have at least one more operation to remove a spot on the liver, and further Chemo to insure that the disease has been successfully ‘killed’. This statement by Penn was insensitive to both folks like me, as well as my long-suffering wife (the true hero in all this). I wish that Mr Penn could spend a day in my life and actually see the pain and suffering someone like me has to go through in order to deal with this disease (notice I said a day, and not the remainder of his life like I’ll have to).
Mr. Penn’s comments were a sign of an immature 50 year old man. They were an over reaction to minor negative comments about him. We have all had much worse said about us. He obviously has an unrealistic view of his own importance. He has not watched someone he loves die of rectal or any other form of cancer or he would never let those words pass his lips. I admire Mr. Penn’s acting ability and his charitable works, but this does not give him a free pass. If he had a racially slur of any kind there would have been an outcry by the media. Why not now?
Mr. Penn you are an ASSHOLE
Sean Penn is an ass. He’s loony like the company he keeps and his only decent role was in :fast Times at Ridgemont High” where he played his brain-dead self.
Get a life people….we all say things we don’t really mean. Remember, we once had a Vice President of United States who told a Senator “to go F**k himself…!!
Its doubtful that Sean P. meant it….and that’s not making excuses for him….Lighten UP, folks!!
I HAD PROSTATE REMOVED 1/2/07 BY DR.DAVID SILVER AT MAIMONIDES HOSPITAL BROOKLYN NY,AFTER THE CANCER HAD ALREADY SPREAD INTO MY BONES.I WAS TOLD I NEEDED RADIATION TREATMENT.SO I DID WHAT THE DOCTORS TOLD ME WOULD STOP THE CANCER FROM SPREADING.BUT THEY DID NOT TELL ME ABOUT THE RADIATION BURNS THAT I LIVE IN PAIN WITH EVERY DAY SINCE GIVEN RADIATION TRETAMENT.I WANT TO KNOW CAN I HAVE THIS DAMAGE FIX AND IF I CAN FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST SAID DOCTOR FOR DAMAGING ME AND CAUSING SO MUCH PAIN.I PALN ON FILING THE PETATION MYSELF. 718-667-7446
This Penn character (notice I did not address as “man”, nor “actor”, nor “gentleman” for he is neither). Anyway, this character is nothing but a punk; always was, still is, and always will. His acting (?) is mediocre to bad. His personality (or lack of it) stinks. He thinks a lot of himself and his opinions are not shared by the rest of the citizens for there are many more out here who are truly smart, compassionate and loving, good human beings. He is always angry at “something or someone”. Perhaps an inferiority complex for his lack of being a true man. I wish him to once walk in the shoes of someone with painful, debilitating cancer. It is no picnic. So, those of us who are striken, continue out battle, we are the truly brave men & women who trust in God and put our pain, discomfort, and financial burden due to the cancer in God’s merciful hands. Too bad this idiot does not have Him in his little ole heart! or..does he have one?
Susie, are you finished with your rant and personal attack? Of all the terrible things going on in this world, why be so upset about a person that lost his temper..!!!?
Futhermore, Lisa Fayed should have used this space for a more important issue, I do believe. Perhaps, next time she will prove she is really intelligent.
Sean, You are so ignorant it’s not even funny. You Ass! I really don’t like to say this, but I hope YOU DIE OF CANCER!!!!! My husband had Colorectal Cancer and thank God it was found in very early stage! As for you Mr. Wanna Be, Go live in Venezuela!
This article is so misleading… the comment was meant for a person, not all people….. “Sean Penn Wants YOU to Die Of Rectal Cancer”I see the author changed the YOU to CYNICS and was changed from yesterday on this site.. I guess the author of this artiicle finally realized just how much it was misleading….Go to Sean Penn’s website and check out the good work he is doing in Haiti, as reported by CNN. In view of the work, I don’t believe Sean Penn is as bad as some folks beleive. Try to see the good!
My 39 year old niece was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer 4 years ago. Sean Penn is a nothing. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for what he said. NONE. How dare the people that left comments such as “lighten up” imply that it’s ok. I have held the hand of my best friend as she took her last breath from lung cancer. I held my mother-in-law in my arms as she took her last breath from pancreatic cancer. The comment by Sean Penn, and the laughter from his interviewer, which I find just as appalling, proves the ignorance of too many people. I also was curious to hear what Katie Couric, who happens to be the lead anchor on CBS, which did the interview, said about these comments. Her husband passed away from colon cancer.
F.Y.I. I’ve had relatives that have died or are living with cancer; this includes, beloved spouse, siblings, parent, cousins. I was a caregiver to my spouse up to the moment of death. So I toally get how cancer “is like a thief in the night” that can rob a person of everything. I’ve been there and I’m sympathic.
Who is Penn????
Crawford, Here’s some outrage. For just a few moments, I wish we lived under the type of dictatorship he embraces. Then the Neanderthal might learn to appreciate the freedoms this country provides him. He’s got a sick mind and anyone with a small amount of intelligence can see that. My prayers are with you.
My son was diagnosed at age 30 with colorectal cancer. In the past 5 years he has had his colon removed, his liver resectioned, two spots removed from his lung, another spot disappear from his liver, and is now living with a tiny spot in his abdomen. he has been on chemo weekly since 2005 only going off it for surgeries. He will be 35 on April 24th, works every day, never complains and we pray he goes on for several more years. I just had to speak up. I read about Sean Penn’s comments and I have lost all respect for him.