NFL Host Apologizes After Calling Ken Jeong a ‘Little Short Guy From Japan’

“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.”

“The Masked Singer,” which has been renewed for a second and third season, features celebrities singing anonymously while dressed up as animals.

Bradshaw, who competed in the first season, dressed up like a deer when he was eliminated in week three, People noted.

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:

this just confirms what people already assumed about Terry Bradshaw #racist #terrybradshaw https://t.co/v8fbIPLD7G
— Mike Chu (@mikevchu) May 14, 2019

Terry Bradshaw apologizes for racially insensitive remark about Ken Jeong @CNN https://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.
— JESS Kalinowsky (@FriendsTravel) May 14, 2019

Is anyone surprised by this? Terry Bradshaw is the epitome of everyone’s racist old uncle.
— brian kotwasinski (@dinkyvision) May 14, 2019

It’s not the first time or last time old fart Bradshaw made racist comment like that 💩💩
— Caynaba84 (@caynaba84) May 14, 2019

Terry Bradshaw has always been a racist Tske him off the sir
— Monty Sullivan (@SullivanMonty) May 14, 2019

@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
— Darren Rector (@mplscoder) May 14, 2019

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
— The Truth (@0cd8bef6f7af48f) May 14, 2019

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?
— David C (@boston_appah) May 14, 2019

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
— 👍 S. Christy 😃 (@SChristy16) May 15, 2019

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.
— Christina Sid 🔜GenCon (@greeksid) May 15, 2019

“The Masked Singer” returns for Season 2 in the fall, while Season 3 arrives in February 2020.

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