Jeffrey Ross Says He Doesn’t Regret Aurora Shooting Joke At Rosanne Roast

About a week ago, comedian Dane Cook made a joke about the recent DARK KNIGHT RISES shooting in Aurora, Colorado.  Fans were outraged at the ridiculous attempt at being funny.

Apparently, Jeffrey Ross thought a week would make all the difference.

While taping his bit for “The Comedy Central Roast of Roseanne,” Ross, who entered the stage dressed as Penn State coach Joe Paterno, took a shot at dais member Seth Green by comparing him and his red hair to the alleged gunman, James Holmes:

“Seth, congratulations. This is actually a great night for you…You haven’t gotten this much attention since you shot all those people in Aurora. … I’m kidding. You are not like James Holmes. At least he did something in a movie theater that people remember!”

Gasps and awkward applause could be heard inside the Hollywood Palladium.

After the show, Ross defended his joke to NBC News , saying,

“Yes, I crossed a line, and that is what the roasts are about. That’s what Roseanne is about — unapologetic comedy. If I had held back, I would have done her a disservice…I think that this particular roast — in these particular times we are in — it is important to exercise freedom of speech…Comedians are apologizing a lot. I am not saying that is right or wrong. But it scares me when I start second guessing myself. So I wanted to put it out there and remind people what America is about,  and on some level, what the roasts are about.”

Producer Jonas Larsen said Ross’ jokes will not be a part of the telecast when it airs on August 12.