Jay Leno underfire over Sri Harmandir Sahib jibe

American broadcaster Jay Leno has come under scrutiny from Sikhs around the world over comments he made about the Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple of Amritsar).

The skit appeared on Jay Leno’s ‘The Tonight Show’ last Thursday (19th January) on NBC. It showed the temple as the summer home of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Mr Romney has faced taxation questions over his huge wealth and many Sikhs are angry the temple has been depicted as a place for the rich.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi told reporters, “It is quite unfortunate and quite objectionable that such a comment has been made after showing the…Golden temple. Golden temple is Sikh community’s most sacred place. Even our Prime Minister went there for praying in the New Year. I believe that the person who has shown is not that ignorant. The American Government should also look at this kind of thing.”

An online petition has been drawn up by a number of Sikh communities.

Leno has not yet commented on the matter.