Chelsea Handler's unlikely media empire has expanded from standup stages to best seller lists to cable and primetime TV, with each medium selling the same product: hard truths and straight talk. And unlike so many politicians who offer those same promises, Handler means it, and delivers.
With books detailing her one night stands and wild past lives -- one, in fact, will now be a show on NBC -- Handler has never held back. And in a recent New York Times article, she opened up about her past, before show business and her fledgling climb up its edge, as well as hitting out at people who don't quite understand or appreciate her style.
First, her teenage years, and the discussion of what is, for many, an event best left in the past.
"I had an abortion when I was 16. Because that's what I should have done," Handler revealed. "Otherwise I would now have a 20-year-old kid. Anyway, those are things that people shouldn't be dishonest about it."
It's those uncomfortable truths that Handler likes to tackle, but to her, the act she produces is far less offensive than many mainstream shows these day -- and the decision she made, far more responsible.
"People are too P.C.," she said. "We need to be focusing on other things. We're seeking out such grossness in human behavior and want such mindless entertainment. 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' and some of these other shows are more racist. Or '16 and Pregnant.' Getting rewarded for being pregnant when you're a teenager? Are you serious? I mean, that makes me want to kill somebody."
Handler, at least, is being handed the opportunity to change all that; in addition to the NBC show based on her book "Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea," in which she'll play her own older sister, Handler has a second E! show now, called "After Lately." She'll also be appearing in "Mall," a new dark thriller on the big screen.
For more from Handler, click over to the NY Times.