# Paula Poundstone - not funny and now this... **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 28, 2001, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402 "2001-06-28T01:51:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/21 "2001-06-29T12:32:05Z")
She’s alluded to her sexual preferece on To Tell the Truth. Personally, I belive she’s bi. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/22 "2001-06-29T12:58:32Z")
I think she’s a great stand-up comic, but lousy actor. I think she’s very funny. The story confuses me. I’m willing to believe in the perversions of all the Hollywood folk, but just who made an accusation??? If it was the girl in question, why doesn’t the story say so? If it’s a third party, why aren’t they named? **What gives???** Something is fishy here… ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/23 "2001-06-29T13:03:21Z")
Well, whether or not she has any talent, I still want to know what’s the deal here. Does seem awfully odd. My curiosity has been suitably piqued! ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/24 "2001-06-29T13:03:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Stoid \* > \*\*I think Paula Poundstone ROCKS. I LOVE HER. She is brilliant at riffing off an audience. Just priceless. > > As for the charges… big fat grain of salt. I just can’t believe she’d be that stupid. Foster kids are notoriously screwed up, and it’s easy to imagine one making shitty accusations because she was pissed off. > > Female on female child molestation is not unheard of, but it is exceedingly rare. I just don’t buy it. > > But I’m curious why \*\* Annie-Xmas \*\* is “not a bit surprised”.?!?! You suspected her of child abuse all along for some reason? > > stoid > > No, I just got creeped out by her. It’s hard to explain, but I kind of just know about people sometimes. I was creeped out by Woody Allen long before the whole Soon-Yi affair. > > Certain people just ick me out, and Poundstone is definitely one of them. I don’t suspect them of anything, but when it does happen, I’m not surprised. > \*\* ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/25 "2001-06-29T13:06:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Stoid \* > **Paula Poundstone is gay.** Gee. I thought she just didn’t know how to dress. :duck and run!: ---
**Author:** ![Fiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e274bd/32.png) [@Fiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiver)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/26 "2001-06-29T13:19:48Z")
I’ve often wondered idly about her sexuality, but I don’t see how it has any bearing on this matter. And in the absence of any new revelations on this particular news story, allow me to present this: [HIJACK]Do child molesters typically have the same sexual orientation wrt their victims as they do with their adult, consensual partners? For instance, do heterosexual male molesters only molest little girls, or are their documented cases of them going after boys instead _a la_ the movie _Happiness_? Or are there even any good data on this?[/HIJACK] ---
**Author:** ![xizor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xizor/32/102_2.png) [@xizor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xizor)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/27 "2001-06-29T15:05:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by anenquiringmind \* > \*\*What I want to know is??? > > Are there any NONlesbian comedians anymore?? > GEEZUSCHRIST!!! > \*\* Rita Rudner Margaret Cho Victoria Jackson Elaine Boozler (sp?) Jeanine Garafalo (sp?) ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/28 "2001-06-29T15:26:06Z")
I used to think she was funny when I was a lot younger and saw her on MTV’s Half Hour Comedy Hour. Now, she really doesn’t do a thing for me. But to each his/her own. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/29 "2001-06-29T15:45:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*\*Elaine Boozler (sp?) > Jeanine Garafalo (sp?) \*\* For the record: Elayne Boosler Janeane Garofalo ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/30 "2001-06-29T17:13:11Z")
I know she’s gay the way I knew Ellen DeGeneres was gay about 12 years before she came out, the way i always knew Rosie was gay, the way I knew Rock Hudson was gay from the moment I knew who Rock Hudson was, the way I know lots of people in Hollywood are gay: osmosis. I live here. It’s in the air. I could give you a list, but I don’t think it would be too cool. Additionally, as it happens, I was a comic for about 18 months back in the late 80’s, and I actually hung in the same places and circles she did, met people who knew her well. stoid PS: I’m serious about that osmosis thing. There hasn’t been one gay celebrity revelation that came as a surprise to me. I’m always surprised that other people are surprised…what, you didn’t KNOW that already? There are a few that I am not sure about though, and I don’t think the truth will ever come out: Tom Cruise. The rumours are SO friggin’ persistent, it makes one wonder. And I’ll never forget how Mimi Rogers dissed him sexually. There’s a few others like that… ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/31 "2001-06-29T19:29:09Z")
[late breaking news](http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/poundstone010629.html) the charges involve her foster children and adopted children. They are currently not in her custody. ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/32 "2001-06-29T19:45:30Z")
Sneeze, I hope you don’t mind-I changed my sig to use your “sparks” line 🙂 Regarding the Poundstone accusation- I hope she didn’t do it, but either way her career is over with this accusation. Zette ---
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/33 "2001-06-29T19:48:12Z")
duh… ---
**Author:** ![The\_Raven\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@The\_Raven\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Raven_1)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/34 "2001-06-29T19:50:11Z")
Howyadoin, Dammit, why couldn’t it have been Rosie O’Donnell instead?? -Rav ---
**Author:** ![anenquiringmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anenquiringmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anenquiringmind)\ **Post date:** [June 29, 2001, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/35 "2001-06-29T19:51:22Z")
NONlesbians List : The only one out of those few I find funny are Rita Rudner ( Hey, somebody tell Rita it’s time for another book!! Maybe Rita can take Paulas’ place on that gameshow, she’s a hell of a lot funnier anyway… Victoria Jackson, she’s funny, but I dont consider her a standup and we havent even heard out of her in years… ---
**Author:** ![Scotticher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Scotticher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scotticher)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/36 "2001-06-30T00:14:31Z")
When, oh WHEN are we going to become a society of people who give the benefit of the doubt before jumping all over someone accused of something? A very good friend of mine had her mother accused of embezzlement. This woman is the kindest, most honest woman. And…well. One day, five years after she worked for a company that closed due to poor management, the police showed up at her door and arrested her for embezzlement. She had NO prior knowledge of the investigation. She had never had the opportunity to answer any questions the police had. She didn’t do it. That was proven later. It ruined her life. She lost her house, her reputation, and her trust in people. Just because the police are convinced they have enough evidence to convict you doesn’t mean they are right. I don’t have an opinion as to whether or not Paula Poundstone did wrong. But I do NOT believe that just because she was arrested, she is guilty. It happens that innocent people get charged. I will wait to have an opinion. Scotti ---
**Author:** ![seriousart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@seriousart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seriousart)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/37 "2001-06-30T00:38:09Z")
What I fear, is that this will fuel many ignorant people’s arguments on why homosexuals shouldn’t adopt children. (On the assumption that Ms Poundstone is gay). Even if she is proven innocent, for many people the gay = deviant, child molester stereotype will become more real for them ---
**Author:** ![Ross](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e274bd/32.png) [@Ross](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ross)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/38 "2001-06-30T00:42:32Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Scotticher Just because the police are convinced they have enough evidence to convict you doesn’t mean they are right… it happens that innocent people get charged._ There y’go. I’ve a good friend who was charged with child abuse and wanted to fight it but found himself unable to, for one reason or another. We may as well give everyone the benefit of the doubt - in the UK I _think_ you’re innocent until proven guilty. I know there are other countries where the reverse applies, perhaps with good reason. IS it different in the US? (not being sarcastic - I really don’t know). * * * Whatever it is, don’t bother. I’m guilty. Yeah, yeah, first cell on the right… ---
**Author:** ![Scotticher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Scotticher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scotticher)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/39 "2001-06-30T00:46:47Z")
Well, really. I agree. First of all, who said she was lesbian? I mean, anyone who really KNOWS anything? And second of all… Okay…if people shouldn’t be able to adopt or be foster parents because they are gay or lesbian, then the same thing should be applied to other situations. In other words, if you are a heterosexual male, you and your wife shouldn’t be allowed to have foster children who are female. And if your wife is heterosexual, you shouldn’t be allowed to have male foster children. Where is this all going to end? This whole thing makes my heart hurt. ---
**Author:** ![deepbluesea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba9def/32.png) [@deepbluesea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deepbluesea)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2001, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402/40 "2001-06-30T00:48:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Ross \* > **We may as well give everyone the benefit of the doubt - in the UK I _think_ you’re innocent until proven guilty. I know there are other countries where the reverse applies, perhaps with good reason. IS it different in the US? (not being sarcastic - I really don’t know).** Not technically, no. We’re big fans of the innocent-until-proven-guilty thing here. However, there is such a thing as being tried in the media, I’m sorry to say; I’m witholding judgement on this one (well, heck, I did the same thing back when O.J. Simpson was arrested), but mostly the first headline is all it takes for people to make up their minds. Hence, Poundstone may or may not be guilty, but either her way her career is at least seriously damaged, if not actually toast. Not to mention her life. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paula-poundstone-not-funny-and-now-this/70402.md?page=3)