Tracy Morgan to apologise for offensive comments
Tracy Morgan will return to Nashville where he upset gay rights activists with homophobic comments.
The comedian caused problems during a protest after he took to the stage and made a series of offensive comments about homosexuality, joking he would 'stab' his son if he were to find out he was gay.
When the story hit the headlines, Morgan was urged to clean up his act. This has prompted Morgan to respond saying he regrets his choice of material.
In a statement released on Friday, Morgan said: "I want to apologize to my fans and the gay & lesbian community for my choice of words at my recent stand-up act in Nashville... This clearly went too far and was not funny in any context."
To prove how much he is sorry, Morgan has agreed to meet with GLAAD officials and apologise to the audience members he offended in his show.
In a new statement issued to GLAAD, the 30 Rock star says, "I know how bad bullying can hurt. I was bullied when I was a kid. I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it. I never want to use my comedy to hurt anyone.
"My family knew what it was like to feel different. My brother was disabled, and I lost my father to AIDS in 1987. My dad wasn't gay but I also learned about homophobia then because of how people treated people who were sick with that. Parents should support and love their kids no matter what.
"Gay people deserve the same right to be happy in this country as everyone else. Our laws should support that. I hope that my fans gay, straight, whatever forgive, and I hope my family forgives me for this."
GLAAD president Jarrett Barrios says, "Meeting with gay and transgender youth shunned by their parents and families who have lost loved ones to anti-gay violence is an important first step.
These meetings will help Tracy better understand that no one should be treated differently or subjected to violence."
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