Lori Welbourne Reveals More about Her Topless Interview with the Mayor in a Video to Ellen DeGeneres
Kelowna, British Columbia (PRWEB) October 09, 2013 -- The viral video has had 3.25 million hits since it was released on YouTube six weeks ago, and has left Welbourne defending herself against a storm of controversy. She now wants to tell her entertaining side of the experience on the Emmy award winning American talk show.
The syndicated columnist and talk radio host intended the video to be a humorous and entertaining way of highlighting gender inequalities, and something fun to accompany the column she wrote on the subject. She was hoping the mayor’s involvement would generate extra attention, but she didn’t expect anyone outside her own city to take notice.
Yet her video received press coverage in over 40 countries across 6 continents, with many reporting news of a ‘topless reporter disrespecting a government leader.’ This view misses the point, according to Welbourne.
“I guess my humour is a little too subtle,” she reflected. “I thought it was obvious that the mayor was in on it. I’m holding a feather pen (in the interview), calling him ‘Mister Mayor’ and asking him really goofy questions.”
Welbourne intended to use comedy to make a serious point about gender equality, releasing the video a few days before International Go Topless Day and Women’s Equality Day. “The message was definitely lost on many,” she said.
The Canadian mother of two has now made a direct appeal to Ellen DeGeneres in a hilarious new video and newspaper column released October 8th.
“I chose Ellen because she's no stranger to controversy herself, and she’s had a profound impact on humanity,” she said. “Sixteen years ago when she came out of the closet publicly, she opened my eyes to how influential a person could be by sharing themselves with honesty and humour, and she's continued to have a powerful and positive influence on not just me, but millions upon millions of people.”
The Kelowna Mayor obviously does not feel disgraced by the experience as many reports suggested. Gray makes another appearance in the latest Welbourne production, showing his genuine support for her cause.
"Mayor Walter Gray is a champion of women and a strong supporter of gender equality, something I didn't realize until after I interviewed him,” Welbourne said. “His willingness to participate in that first video led me to believe he might be willing to be a part of this follow up, and he was.”
She may have shocked millions who missed the humour in the original video, but Welbourne has made more fans than enemies with her unique brand of comedy. Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show would tickle her growing fan base and bring the real message of the viral video back to the forefront.
“If I actually do get invited on her show, I sure hope she doesn’t ask me to dance,” Welbourne added. “I’d do it of course, but I look like Elaine from Seinfeld when I dance.”
Craig Phillips, Lancer Communications, +1 (250) 826-4883, [email protected]
Share this article