Not So Real American Stories

“Real American Stories” is set to debut tonight at 10 p.m. EDT. Fox News describes the one-hour program as “the first installment of a new series” that features “real-life tales of overcoming adversity throughout the American landscape.”

A video clip of LL Cool J was initially posted on the “Real American Stories” Web site but has since been removed.

The rapper/actor (whose real name is James Todd Smith) took to his Twitter account late Tuesday night to comment on the video clip.

“Fox lifted an old interview I gave in 2008 to someone else & are misrepresenting to the public in order to promote Sarah Palins Show. WOW”

Yesterday his spokesman released a statement regarding the upcoming special.

“Contrary to what was reported, LL Cool J was never scheduled to be a guest on ‘Real American Stories’ with Sarah Palin this week,” Rhett Usry said. “The show had planned to use an interview from 2008 that was being repurposed without LL’s permission.”

Usry added that LL Cool J had nothing against the “fair and balanced” channel or the former Alaska governor and vice presidential candidate.

“This statement is not a reflection of any feelings LL has toward Fox News or Ms. Palin, whom he has never met, rather a clarification of what we have seen published in the media.”

In response, Fox News released its own statement, including a snarky dig at LL Cool J’s acting career. Maybe Fox isn’t a fan of “NCIS: Los Angeles.”

“‘Real American Stories’ features uplifting tales about overcoming adversity and we believe Mr. Smith’s interview fits that criteria. However, as it appears that Mr. Smith does not want to be associated with a program that could serve as an inspiration to others, we are cutting his interview from the special and wish him the best with his fledgling acting career.”

In addition to featuring a cancer survivor/magician, a bi-lateral amputee and the founder of a pickle company, the promo for “Real American Stories” also includes a clip including Toby Keith.

The country singer’s publicist says this is news to him.

“I have no idea what interview they are using. Toby’s talked to Fox a number of times, and I had no idea that this was going to be on Sarah Palin’s special. Fox has never contacted me — not now, not when they were putting this together, not at all. I have no idea what they’re using,” Elaine Schock told The New York Times.

Schock added that it appears the interview was from early 2009 but reiterated that Keith, a self-proclaimed “conservative Democrat,” (despite his past feud with the Dixie Chicks) had “absolutely not” been interview by Palin.

Palin joined the Fox News Channel staff as a regular contributor in January.
    
Click here for the AP story. 

Click here for the New York Times piece.