BOSTON -- A controversy has been settled involving comedian Sandra Bernhard, vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and the local women's shelter, Rosie's Place.

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The shelter canceled a scheduled appearance by Bernhard on Wednesday after she made jokes about Palin being raped were she ever to visit New York. Bernhard was to headline Rosie's annual fundraiser "Funny Women ... Serious Business" at the Hynes Convention Center on Oct. 16.

Sue Marsh, Rosie's executive director, said the shelter was "shocked and deeply disturbed" when they heard about the jokes.

"Rosie's Place provides a safe haven for poor and homeless women, some of whom have experienced violence in their lives," Marsh said in a statement. "Therefore, we do not believe that violence against women is a joking matter and will not be including Ms. Bernhard in our upcoming fundraising event.”

Bernhard admits making the comments, but claimed they were part of a larger piece about Palin's views about abortion.
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