norris.jpg
Image from Molly Norris' blog (MyNorthwest.com file)

Seattle cartoonist Molly Norris going into hiding

September 15, 2010 @ 7:27 am (Updated: 1:53 pm - 3/28/11 )

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By JAMIE GRISWOLD
@jamiegriswold
MyNorthwest.com

Seattle Weekly reports Seattle cartoonist Molly Norris will be going into hiding at the suggestion of the FBI after threats on her life.

Norris was targeted for execution by a radical Islamic cleric in July.

The FBI warned Norris they considered the threat by Anwar al-Awlaki, who has ties to the failed Times Square bombing attempt, serious.

Norris gained international attention with a cartoon she drew in April in response to Comedy Central's cutting of a portion of a South Park episode following a death threat from a radical Muslim group.

The cartoon showed various objects: a teacup, a cherry, a spool of thread, all claiming to be the real likeness of Mohammed, and declared May 20th "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day."

Norris appeared on KIRO Radio's Dave Ross show to discuss her intentions in drawing the cartoon in April.

Listen to Molly Norris' April appearance on Dave Ross

The cartoon quickly sparked a heated controversy, and others took up the campaign as Norris tried to distance herself from the event, posting this message on her website after the cartoon went viral.

I make cartoons about current, cultural events. I made a cartoon of a 'poster' entitled "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!" with a nonexistent group's name - Citizens Against Citizens Against Humor - drawn on the cartoon also. I did not intend for my cartoon to go viral. I did not intend to be the focus of any 'group'. I practice the first amendment by drawing what I wish. This particular cartoon of a 'poster' seems to have struck a gigantic nerve, something I was totally unprepared for. I am going back to the drawing table now!

Norris appeared once more on the Dave Ross Show to talk about how the campaign had run out of control, saying she no longer wanted any part in it.

"I'm against my own concept becoming a reality," said cartoonist Molly Norris in a May appearance on The Dave Ross Show.

Listen: Molly Norris' May Dave Ross appearance

Seattle Weekly says Norris will be moving and changing her name.

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Comments (45)


  • Add A Comment

  • Rick (4) wrote...
    Religion of FEAR!
    September 15, 2010 9:39 am
    Islam like all religions was to be a religion of LOVE, but men corrupted it for power and control. Islam is not evil, but the people in control of it sure are. The same has happened to Christianity over the years. Why does mankind allow other men to corrupt the message from the Creator to spread FEAR instead of LOVE? I for one refuse to live in fear and choose the path of LOVE. People of the world (all religions) stand up to these elitists who just want to control you through fear.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • len98531 wrote...
    How about a cartoon
    September 15, 2010 9:56 am
    that depicts the Prophet being burned? Or ridding a hog into an open furnace?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Had enough yet, Libs? wrote...
    Is America Isamophobic?
    September 15, 2010 10:45 am
    After all this? I don't know. But I do know the these radical Islamist are AMERICANOPHOBES!

    No doubt about it!!!

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • NWGUY wrote...
    Religion of Love? what are you smoking?
    September 15, 2010 11:08 am
    as an earlier poster pointed out, Islam from inception was spread by the sword, by Muhammed himself. there were no "love" messages, accept for those who got in line with the "profits" plan.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • artimus wrote...
    I feel for her
    September 15, 2010 11:20 am
    What a nightmare. One questionable decision and it seriously impacts her entire life. I wish her the best.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • OneMoreVoice wrote...
    I am getting to the point where I want to go out and
    September 15, 2010 11:36 am
    buy a pig and name him Mohammed just to spite them and I'm not a very religious person.. I just cannot respect any religion that says it is the "religion of peace" when leaders of that religion call for the death of others or the followers of that religion condone and allow their leaders (imams)to behave in such a manner. It seems to me the only solution to this issue may be a very direct and unconditional statement, "Any country that calls for the destruction of America will be nuked into glass. Any secondary destruction to countries harboring said enemies will occur to our regret." And then follow through regardless of being PC or any other term you want to put on it. "Despite the right of freedom of speech, Extremists within the borders of the US have two choices surrender for deportation or leave on their own free will." AND BTW I AM CONSIDERED A LIBERAL BY MANY. BUT I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THEIR CRAP!..
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • 77SunSetStrip wrote...
    Wonder where
    September 15, 2010 12:02 pm
    Where's vashonmatt in all this??? He was on here spouting off, defending these 5th century thugs. Maybe the lady can move to vashon island and take up pig farming next to matt's place
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • rational wrote...
    let that be a lesson
    September 15, 2010 12:35 pm
    All Americans should learn the lesson that they no longer have freedom of speech if a muslim takes offense at anything you say or do. Learn the lesson you dhimmis, or be willing to suffer the consequences of death...(message brought to you by the religion of peace).

    Now you have a liberal supreme court justice (Breyer) stating that he fails to see burning the quran in the first ammendment...so it's ok to desecrate any religious books you like...except islam's.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RnD_Fan wrote...
    @almost everyone!
    September 15, 2010 12:46 pm
    Agreed!

    Free speech, except if you speak about Muslims, Islam etc.

    The new "race" card: Moosslims/Islaaaaam & mooHAMed!

    What a peaceful religion!

    NOT!

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Nervoso wrote...
    You believe Islam or Christianity are religions of peace.
    September 15, 2010 1:21 pm
    You are a dolt.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }