RIALTO CHATTER: Miffed Mason Denies Racism Charges

Legendary stand-up comedian Jackie Mason is fightng back after catching heat for using what many people consider to be a Yiddish racial slur to describe President Barack Obama during his Thursday night performance at Feinsteins At Loews Regency.

The stage and screen comic referred to President Obama as a "schwartza" during the performance onstage TMZ reports, infuriating several audience members and causing at least one paying customer to storm out.

Mason denies the word is a racial epithet, angrily rebuttingTMZ that it's just a  slang word. "I'm an old Jew. I was raised in a Jewish family where 'schwartza' was used," he said. "It's not a demeaning word and I'm not going to defend myself."

To see the full TMZ report click here.

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed "Best of New York" by New York Magazine, and "an invaluable New York institution" by The New York Post, continues its 10th Anniversary season with the return engagement of the Emmy and Tony Award winning comedy legend Jackie Mason from March 10 - 21. His show, "Park Avenue Workshop," features his usual potent mix of political satire and insightful observations. All performances are at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY will play the following schedule: Tuesday through Thursday at 8:30 PM. The weekend schedule presents shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. All shows have a $60.00 cover with $75.00 premium seats, both with a $40.00 food and beverage minimum. Jackets are suggested but not required. FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit us online at feinsteinsatloewsregency.com and TicketWeb.com.