“Fox NFL Sunday” host Terry Bradshaw apologized to Ken Jeong after referring to him with a racially-insensitive description.
The former NFL quarterback made his remarks following his elimination on “The Masked Singer” on Monday, saying he was “kicked off by Alan Thicke and the little short guy from Japan.”
Bradshaw, 70, was referring to singer Robin Thicke, son of Alan Thicke, and Jeong, who both served as panelists on the show.
Jeong, 49, was born in Detroit to parents who immigrated from South Korea — he is not Japanese.
“I made an insensitive remark today about Ken, who I’ve known for some time,” Bradshaw said, according to Variety. “I’ve spoken to him about the importance of cultural respect and apologized for my offensive comments.”
He added, “I would like to also apologize to the Asian-American community for my insensitivity.”
It’s unclear whether Bradshaw and Jeong had interacted backstage at the show. But as expected, the Fox host’s problematic comment drew flak on social media:
Terry Bradshaw apologizes for racially insensitive remark about Ken Jeong @CNNhttps://t.co/KfesWf1S73 TB has been a racist his entire life. Once heard his vulgar stories at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel years ago. Just no TV cameras or cell phones back then.
@FOXSports Your lack of input about the insensitive and racist remarks if Terry Bradshaw just goes to show corporate America doesn’t give one iota about it’s viewers or it’s employees. This isn’t the first time he’s been racist and insensitive! #boycottfoxsports#racistcompany
Terry Bradshaw apologizes for racially insensitive remark about Ken Jeong WELL OLD TERRY DONE CONTROLLED HIS MOUTH FOR YEARS! BUT IT HAD TO COME OUT ONE DAY! https://t.co/ENRzu9MXkq
Ken Jeong is American…he was born in Detroit. He’s as American as Terry Bradshaw. Imagine someone referring to TB as “the big guy from Europe.” The problem is that Asian Americans are perpetually seen as foreigners and as undifferentiated masses…we all look alike right?
He finally made an ass of himself! He’s always been a Racist & Bigot of every ethnicity except Caucasians and if further proof was needed, there it is! https://t.co/Zp9zOXn3Xz
So, it was flippant, rude, and insensitive. It doesn’t have to be in anger to be completely out of line. How is this a discussion? Bradshaw ADMITTED it was offensive—not just to Jeong but to all Asian Americans. There’s no debate here—there’s rude & racist remarks & an apology.
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