David Letterman apologizes for censoring comic Bill Hicks in 1993

January 31, 2009

Friday night David Letterman proved that he is a class act, and that the broadcasting industry could profit from his example.

Over 15 years ago, Letterman and his producer at the time, Robert Morton, chose to delete from “The Late Show” a controversial bit by astringent comedian Bill Hicks.

Hicks was scheduled for “The Late Show with David Letterman” on October 1, 1993, it would be his twelfth appearance on the show. However, Hicks’ performance was removed from the pre-taped broadcast, perhaps the only time a comedian’s taped routine had been completely deleted before the broadcast.

Hicks voiced his rage and feelings of betrayal to John Lahr of The New Yorker in a hand-written 39-page lette. Letterman said at the time that he regretted how Hicks was treated, but the comic was never invited back. Hicks later died from pancreatic cancer with his parents at his side on February 26, 1994.

Last night, Letterman not only played the never before aired 1993 segment, but he also publicly apologized in person to the late comic’s mother, Mary Hicks.

“Let me again apologize for the heartache and sadness my decision caused your family,” Letterman said to Mrs. Hicks.

“I appreciate you saying that,” she said.

“I know I can’t make up for the damage that was caused” he added, “but I do hope that this makes it up symbolically to you.”

Before playing the comics un-aired routine, Letterman said he had not seen the performance since 1993, so he warned the people in the audience that the material might be a bit dated.

You can see the video here.