In a forthcoming memoir, actor and comedian Mary Lynn Rajskub has revealed the fallout that occurred after she was forcibly kissed on the mouth by late far-right Republican commentator Rush Limbaugh during a 2006 panel discussion.
Rajskub starred as Chloe O'Brien from 2003 to 2010 on the hit terrorism-themed show 24, which was the subject of the panel discussion moderated by Limbaugh.
In an excerpt of the forthcoming book, titled FAME-ISH: My Life At The Edge Of Stardom, Rajskub recalled being ambushed by Limbaugh with a heavily photographed kiss at the event.
The event at which Rajskub appeared, "'24' and America's Image in Fighting Terrorism: Fact, Fiction, or Does It Matter?" was produced by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation.
A right-wing darling for most of its run, the series depicted extremely hawkish approaches to fighting terrorism in the wake of 9/11.
In the excerpt, Rajskub described the experience of participating in the event and the impact it had on her career. To say she didn't remember it fondly would be an understatement. Of Limbaugh, Rajskub wrote:
“His way of saying 'hello' was to bend down behind me. I turned to look up and that’s when it happened."
"When I turned he was coming down to give me a kiss… on the lips?!"
Rajskub went on to detail how the kiss immediately became a deeply uncomfortable photo opportunity.
"As it happened, tons of camera flashes went out. He had to have known what he was doing..."
She also discussed how the photos created political labels that strained relations with her more liberal-minded friends.
“In one shrewd move of his, an image went out into the world that showed I was a supporter of the right-wing cause. I was not."
"It also showed I found Rush Limbaugh attractive. I did not..."
"To become a right-wing darling was too much. Thank god it didn’t last more than one news cycle.”
On Twitter, Rajskub's story reignited many people's disgust for Limbaugh.
Limbaugh was infamous for his misogyny, exemplified in myriad quotes—like one in which he claimed feminism's purpose was “to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society.” He died of cancer last year.
