Bernhard defends Palin 'gang rape' joke

NEW YORK, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Comic Sandra Bernhard says a "gang rape" joke she made about Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was part of her New York act.

Bernhard said Friday that suggesting the Alaska governor would be gang-raped if she follows through with a scheduled New York visit was simply part of her provocative comedy act, the New York Daily News reported.

"(The gang rape comment) is part of a much larger, nuanced and, yes, provocative -- that's what I do -- piece from my show about racism, freedom, women's rights and the extreme views of Gov. Sarah Palin, a woman who doesn't believe that other women should have the right to choose," Bernhard said.

The comic made the comment during a recent performance of her "Without You I'm Nothing" stage show that is due in Washington this month, the Daily News said.

Bernhard told the newspaper she is concerned about Palin's views on abortion and therefore targets the Republican in her act.

"Women deserve better," she said. "I certainly wish Governor Palin no harm. I'd just like her to explain to me how she can hold such outrageous views -- and then go back to Alaska."