Just hours after his death, transgender activists labeled legendary TV host Jerry Springer as “transphobic.”
Many said they were ‘not sad’ to see Springer die at the age of 79, with his family confirming he had passed away Thursday morning after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Millions of people mourned the loss of the TV giant – with “The Jerry Springer Show” a guilty pleasure for many Americans with its wild and outrageous guests.
But those in the trans community seemed content after Springer’s death was announced, accusing him of “sensationalizing trans people into a mockery for profit.”
They also accused him of portraying them as “deceitful” and the men who went on the show with them as “exploited” victims.
But those in the trans community celebrated Springer’s death, accusing him of “sensationalizing trans people into a mockery for profit”
Springer passed away at the age of 79, as his family confirmed he died Thursday morning after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer
Of the thousands of episodes that aired, one was titled “Dude, Try a Transsexual,” while another was titled “Spoiler Alert: She’s a Man!” said. and a third was called “Turned up and Transgender.”
One person said, “Rest in p*** Jerry Springer, you spiteful little slimeball. He ruthlessly exploited minorities and the poor, including trans women, especially of color.
And ruthlessly exposed them to violence and humiliation for entertainment. Eat dirty, poor scum.’
Alejandro Carabello wrote, “I don’t think anything has kept me closeted longer than the way Jerry Springer sensationalized trans people into a mockery of profit.
“This is not old history, he kept doing it until this year. I’m not exactly sad to see him pass.’
They clarified that even though the show ended in 2018, the YouTube channel for the show continued to post old clips.
Katelyn Burns added, “Jerry Springer’s show was one of my first encounters ever with trans women.
“The memories of his mobs booing those poor, desperate women have stayed with me for decades.
Springer himself said he wasn’t interested in offending anyone after facing backlash in 2014 for an episode titled “Tr***ies Twerk It Out”
They also accused him of portraying them as “deceitful” and the men who went on the show with them as victims who were “exploited.”
“I don’t feel anything about his passing.”
Another Twitter user said he did “irreparable damage… to my psyche as a young trans person who grew up in a world with very little trans representation.
“His stage was where the seeds of much shame and self-loathing were planted.”
Springer himself said he wasn’t interested in offending anyone after facing backlash in 2014 for an episode titled “Tr***ies Twerk It Out.”
He vowed to stop using the term on all future shows, telling TMZ when he was “just educated” on the issue following the allure in the LGBTQ community.
Springer’s family asked fans to make charitable donations in his name after the TV host passed away “peacefully” at his Chicago home.
Tributes have poured in for the ‘irreplaceable’ talent, with his family adding, ‘As he always said, take care of yourself and each other’.
Springer seemed to reference his illness, saying during an interview last year that he wanted to retire while “still healthy” after NBCUniversal canceled its last show, Judge Jerry. He added, “I don’t have to make a living. I want to enjoy life.’
He often told people with a wink that his wish for them was ‘may you never be on my show’
Some of the show’s final episodes were titled: ‘Stripper Sex Turned Me Straight’, ‘Stop Pimpin’ My Twin Sister’ and ‘Hooking Up With My Therapist’
A statement from his family confirmed that he passed away “peacefully” at his home in Chicago after being diagnosed with cancer
Family spokesperson Jene Galvin said: ‘Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he attempted, whether it was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a picture or a word.
“He is irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
On his Twitter profile, Springer jokingly declared himself as “talk show host, ringmaster of the end of civilization.”
He also claimed that the people on his show volunteered to be subjected to the ridicule or humiliation that awaited them.
His audience would cheer his name, while his outrageous guests would engage in mad fights – expletive-filled rants squealing out.
Springer called it “escapist entertainment,” while others saw the show as contributing to a weakening of American social values.
He would often tell people with a wink that his wish for them was “may you never be on my show.”
His show was so popular in the 90s that it even surpassed Oprah Winfrey’s program in several cities.