Jay Leno Apologises For Gay Remarks
April 1, 2008 by Amber
Filed under Jay Leno, Ryan Phillippe, Television
Talk show host Jay Leno has apologised today for the on-air gay remarks he made to guest Ryan Phillippe, which sparked a mini-scandal in the U.S.
“In talking about Ryan’s first role, I realize that what I said came out wrong,” Leno said in a statement. “I certainly didn’t mean any malice. I agree it was a dumb thing to say, and I apologize.”
Leno was criticized by gay activists last week after asking Phillippe if he would show his ‘gayest look’ to the cameras.
The 57-year-old talk show host said: “Can you give me, like – say that camera is your gay lover… Can you give me your ‘gayest look?’”
“Wow,” Phillippe replied. “That is so something I don’t want to do.”
After the show aired, gay rights group GLAAD condemned Leno’s remarks, and praised Phillippe for refusing to take part in his “thoughtless attempt at humour.”
GLAAD President Neil G. Guiliano said: “We are proud of Ryan for refusing to participate in Leno’s thoughtless attempt at humor.
“Under the guise of comedy, the talk-show host is demonstrating a lack of respect for the gay community and insensitivity to both his co-workers and the audience, to whom he owes an apology.”
The joke Leno made had stemmed from Phillippe’s first ever gig in the entertainment industry, where he played a gay character on a soap opera.
[Source]
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