NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Comedian Tracy Morgan delivered a personal apology Tuesday to gay advocacy groups and Tennessee audience members who were offended by an anti-gay rant during his show there earlier this month.
Morgan met with the gay rights advocates and some attendees of the June 3 show before addressing reporters at the Nashville Convention Center. He did not take questions.
"I don't have a hateful bone in my body," he said. "I don't believe that anyone should be bullied or just made to feel bad about who they are."
It's the second public apology from the "30 Rock" actor. He met with homeless lesbian and gay youth Friday in New York City. Morgan agreed to the Nashville meeting at the request of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation President Jarrett Barrios.
The former "Saturday Night Live" cast member is known for an outrageous, unpredictable comedy style where few subjects are taboo. He's tackled homosexual themes and characters before with little outcry. But even Morgan admits he went too far during his June 3 show at Ryman Auditorium.
He said during his set that if his son were gay, he would "pull out a knife and stab" him, among other anti-gay statements.
Audience member Kevin Rogers was offended by Morgan's routine and his posting on Facebook brought widespread attention to its content. Morgan spoke with Rogers and others there that day before he addressed reporters.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
- Comment
