Pickets Protest Lewis’ Telethon Tactics

Comedian Jerry Lewis avoided reporters as he prepared for his 28th annual Labor Day telethon in the face of criticism from a small but vocal group of disabled activists.

The activists contend that Lewis uses pity to coax contributions from viewers for the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. He denies it, but recent telethons have taken a more positive approach in showcasing the mainstreaming of people with disabilities.

The 67-year-old Lewis has helped raise more than $1.3 billion for the Muscular Dystrophy Assn.

The show begins at 6 p.m. today and concludes at 3:30 p.m. Monday, with the goal to top last year’s record tote of $45.8 million.

Activists plan to picket at a few of the 200 television stations that will be carrying the show.

Some demonstrators also have picketed at venues where Lewis performs about a dozen weeks a year.

Lewis is “really bummed out about it,” said a close friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “It’s a terrible situation. I’ve seen him in tears over some of this stuff. I’ve seen him very dejected about it.”

Lewis has refused interviews on the controversy.