Mother's Day is a great time for pranks. For example, as a young man, I thought mom might enjoy raising a puppy I was offered for free.
It's not really the thought that counts.
The puppy turned out to be a great gift, unlike what happened recently on Cambodian (hang with me!) TV.
A TV show, "Like it or Not," invited Autumn Allen, an American girl, 13, to appear on its Mother's Day special. Autumn moved to the Asian country with her father when she was six and missed her mom. The TV show said they would find her mom and reunite them.
Instead of introducing the youngster to her mother, the hosts of the TV show brought out a cross-dressing comedian who pretended to be Autumn's mother.
The hosts laughed and demanded Autumn, who giggles awkwardly during the encounter, kiss her 'mother' on the cheek.
Autumn refused to kiss Cambodia's Tyler Perry and seems a bit embarrassed to be sharing a state with clowns.
I'm not sure how anything works in Cambodia, but I initially thought Autumn and her dad should have contacted a lawyer.
Then I remembered how TV works.
Instead of seeking legal recourse, the young singer-songwriter, on Facebook, posted a letter of apology issued by the TV program.
"I have met with MyTV and accepted their sincere apologies. The two hosts, Rolin and Taboi (the producer) have apologized to me personally. Even the Deputy General Manager of the MyTV was there. A mistake happen and I have forgiven them. Thank you for every one supports. Please find it in your heart to forgive them too. Love, Autumn."
This really sets off the ol' "we've been tricked" alarm bells.
A cynical Facebook "friend" said Autumn must have been paid for being so forgiving, but the teen said she has not been compensated.
A true cynic would think this whole thing was a ploy to get and increased ratings and audience for a TV show most people have never heard of -- and free publicity for Autumn's singing career.
If that's true, Autumn should turn in her microphone and pursue acting. She's good.