Heidi Klum's plunging Oscars dress did more than just grab the attention of anyone who saw it. It also produced a joke from comedian and Fashion Police's Joan Rivers, who made a joke that has offended many Jewish fans for its reference to the Holocaust.
When discussing the model's night gown, the 79-year-old Rivers said, "The last time a German looked this hot was when they were pushing Jews into the ovens." The joke may have been done for shock value, but for some, it understandably crossed the line.
Despite the criticism of her comment, Rivers is refusing to apologize. During an interview with "omg! Insider," Rivers dismissed the notion that the joke was offensive.
"Apologizing for what?" she exclaimed. "For what?! ... Heidi didn't mind it. That's the joke, Heidi Klum didn't mind it. We didn't mind it. So somebody else minded, you know, then don't watch 'Fashion Police.' Next."
Klum may have understood that Rivers was joking, but I'd doubt she'd privately acknowledge the joke as one she would like to be associated with. Rivers, however, thinks that if anything, the joke brings awareness to the atrocities suffered by those who went through one of the most horrific events in human history.
"I make points with humor and you want to talk about the Holocaust? That's how I talk about the Holocaust," the former late-night host added. "I remind people there was a Holocaust and someone should wake Mel Gibson up to watch 'Fashion Police.'"
To those who think she crossed the line, Rivers has a message as well. "You live in the dark ages," she explained. "Learn what comedy's about, tell that Richard Pryor, tell that to Chris Rock, tell it to Louis C.K., go back to Lenny Bruce. I'm very proud to be a part that group."