Foul-mouthed Mr Selfridge
Star launches F-word rant at charity fundraiser for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking
HE won the nation’s hearts in a handlebar moustache in ITV’s drama about the flamboyant founder of Selfridges department store.
But Mr Selfridge star Jeremy Piven stunned the audience at a Hollywood charity event for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking by ranting ‘F*** you all’ when his jokes fell flat.
Some guests had reportedly been surprised that the actor agreed to host the £342-a-head Face Forward fundraising gala at the Beverly wilshire Hotel in California on Saturday night after accusations of sexual assault were brought against him. The 53-year-old has denied the claims.
During his brief stage appearances, the star made jokes about sex acts, Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian, but his lines were greeted with little laughter.
Referring to his role in Entourage, Piven spoke about rehearsing lines with his mother. Then yelling like his character in the film, Ari, he acted out the scene containing lewd language. Reacting to the poor response, he said: ‘This is a tough room by the way. Tough room. oh I knew it. I knew it. I just decided I’m doing a twohour set because you’re not giving me love. So f*** you all.’
Piven has been trying to reinvent himself as a stand-up comedian, but he complained it was ‘hard to tell what material to do in here’.
Female activist and bestselling author Paola Diana said: ‘Jeremy Piven’s foul-mouthed rant towards victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking is almost as shocking as the fact that a man accused of sexual misconduct by several women just nine months ago was even chosen to host the event in the first place.’
Domestic violence survivor and activist Raj Holness said: ‘Horrified to hear how Jeremy Piven acted at a charity event for survivors of domestic abuse and trafficking survivors. This should be unacceptable by anyone’s standard and he should not have been given that kind of platform.’