Comedians gather to support ousted telethon host Lewis (Reuters)

LOS ANGELES (TheWrap) – Jerry Lewis' fellow comedians rallied to express their support of him and to criticize his removal as host of the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon.

News came Wednesday that the Tucson-based MDA had relieved the 85-year-old comedian of his duties as host, despite Lewis' assertion that the upcoming Labor Day telethon would be his last.

Comedians including Paul Rodriguez, Larry Miller, Tom Dreesen and Norm Crosby held a press conference Friday at Hollywood's famous Laugh Factory club to reprimand the MDA for dropping a man they see as a member of the family.

"If this is the way we're going, we should also tell Grandpa we don't need him for Thanksgiving," joked Miller to reporters.

Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada told TheWrap that his club is holding a petition to present to the MDA. "The charity should have a better, bigger heart," he said.

The comedians demand that Lewis at the very least should attend the telethon and be given a proper send-off to commemorate his 45 years as host. They have established a petition that has already accumulated more than 10,000 signatures, but Masada is hoping for 100,000 signers.

"We don't want to boycott the charity of the kids," Masada continued. "We want to raise money (for the cause), but they didn't have to be coldhearted."

While the MDA's reasoning for replacing Lewis has not been announced, Laugh Factory owner Jamie Masada says he and the comedians support Lewis regardless of the reasons for his dismissal.

"He's not dead," said Rodriguez at the press event. "He's very much alive."

Preparations for the 46th annual telethon are under way at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas.

MDA's new host has not yet been announced.

The veteran actor, who struggles with a debilitating back condition, heart issues and pulmonary fibrosis, will appear in the documentary "Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis," airing on October 22 on Encore. The special features rare footage of Lewis in action, as well as comments from the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, Quentin Tarantino and Alec Baldwin, sharing appreciation for the legend.

MDA did not respond for a request for comment.

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Lewis, MDA mum on reasons for comedian's exit (AP)

LAS VEGAS – For decades, Jerry Lewis has played the key role in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's annual telethon, helping to raise more than $1 billion. Now the two sides are parting ways, but no one is explaining why.

The 85-year-old comedian told reporters last week that he plans to hold a press conference the day after this year's telethon to talk about what he thinks is important. When pressed by a reporter about his role with the telethon, Lewis said: "It's none of your business."

The Tucson, Ariz.-based association announced this week that after 45 years, the comedian was no longer its national chairman and he would not appear on the telethon this year.

Association spokesman Jim Brown declined to say what prompted the decision. And Lewis publicist Candi Cazau of Las Vegas also declined to comment, telling The Associated Press Thursday that comedian was traveling outside his home state of Nevada.

In May, Lewis said in a statement issued through the association that he would make his final appearance on the telethon this year and sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" during a six-hour primetime broadcast scheduled for Sept. 4.

But during a session with reporters last week at a Television Critics Association press tour to promote an upcoming TV documentary, "Method to the Madness of Jerry Lewis," Lewis hinted that his involvement in raising money for muscular dystrophy research wasn't finished.

"Who told you that?" Lewis asked a reporter who asked him how he felt about this year being his last telethon. "I never read it."

"Do you remember when the New York Times printed, `Dewey wins'? I rest my case, pal," Lewis said. "Anything you read, read it twice."

In 1948, the Chicago Tribune famously printed the headline "Dewey defeats Truman" the day after Harry Truman beat Thomas Dewey in the presidential election.

Lewis also harshly criticized reality television shows that include heavy involvement from telethon co-hosts Nigel Lythgoe and Alison Sweeney. Lythgoe is executive producer of "American Idol," which Lewis called a singing competition of "McDonald's wipeouts," while Sweeney hosts weight-loss show "The Biggest Loser."

"You just have to be bad. The business is scrounging around for what to do," Lewis said when asked how comedic actors can become great today. "And the first thing a good comic must do is let them know he hasn't changed.

"He can bring that same veracity and that same performance to a medium that's running around, knocking their brains out trying to see how we beat the fat lady at 375 pounds, and in four months she's going to be 240. Who (cares)," Lewis said. "It's ridiculous."

When asked what he'd have to do to be satisfied with his life, Lewis said: "Get the cure for muscular dystrophy, then I'm fine."

Lewis later said he would hold a press conference Sept. 5 to clarify his plans.

"I will have plenty to say about what I think is important. And that's the future, not the past," he said.

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Associated Press writer Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix contributed to this report.

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Oskar Garcia can be reached at http://twitter.com/oskargarcia.

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American boxing promoter Butch Lewis dies (AFP)

PHILADELPHIA, USA (AFP) – Muhammad Ali's former boxing promoter Butch Lewis has died. He was 65.

The colourful American promoter also worked with Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson and Leon and Michael Spinks, and was known for the snappy tuxedos he wore to fights.

Lewis's family is making funeral arrangements at a funeral home in Wilmington, Delaware. Funeral home owner Sammy Congo said he did not know the details of Lewis' death.

Lewis promoted the Michael Spinks-Tyson fight 23 years ago that was won by Tyson with a first round knockout.

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