Clay is known for a style of comedy that has sparked
controversy and much media coverage. He is loved
by some and reviled by others, who feel that his
act is crude, misogynistic, racist, homophobic and
degrading. Clay has been widely opposed by women's
rights groups and he has been banned from many
radio and television shows for his explicit
language and politically incorrect humor.
MTV banned him for life in 1989 for reciting
what he called "adult nursery rhymes"
during the annual Video Music Awards ceremony (September
6, 1989). The next year, when he was invited to
guest host the weekly comedy TV show, Saturday Night
Live, cast member Nora Dunn declared her refusal
to ever appear on the same broadcast as Clay and
did not participate in the episode of his guest
appearance (May 12). Invited musical guest Sinéad
O'Connor also boycotted Clay's appearance...