Danson is a lifelong Democrat, pal of Bill Clinton, and basically a frothing liberal. In spite of the fact that he and Whoopi defended the skit they did break up soon after and it is likely that this controversy strained the relationship.

This probably brought a lot of heat on Whoopi from the black sector and it proved once and for all, Rule no. 1, You gotta be black to use the n word and do watermelon jokes. Rule no. 2, Rabid liberal whites are not excluded from rule no. 1.

As much as I understand this, I consider it utter bull-shit. I guess we will know when racial prejudice is gone. This kind of political correctness will be laughed at.

From Wiki:

Danson experienced substantial negative press attention on October 8, 1993 after his appearance in blackface at a Friars Club comedy roast in honor of then-girlfriend Whoopi Goldberg. In his monologue, Danson made extensive use of offensive racial stereotypes, used the word "nigger" more than a dozen times, and ate a watermelon, angering such guests as Montel Williams and Mayor David Dinkins. Goldberg defended the sketch, explaining that she had helped write much of the material and referred Danson to the makeup artist who painted his face. Danson and Goldberg issued statements emphasizing "the Friars Club tradition of raucous and over the top humor" and describing those offended as newcomers who "were uncomfortable with what to expect." Substantial excerpts from the performance were later printed in Spy.