NEWSGilbert Gottfried Apologizes for Tasteless Japan Jokes: "I Meant No Disrespect"
March 15 2011, Published 9:51 a.m. ET
Outspoken comedian Gilbert Gottfried has turned to Twitter to apologize for the insensitive remarks he posted on his page about the current devastation in Japan.
"I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my attempt at humor regarding the tragedy in Japan," Gilbert Tweeted this afternoon, followed by, "I meant no disrespect, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families."
Since joking about the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit the island nation last week, Gilbert was fired by Aflac, where he provided the voice for the company’s famous duck mascot
The insurance company issued the following statement yesterday to TMZ: “Gilbert’s recent comments about the crisis in Japan were lacking in humor and certainly do not represent the thoughts and feelings of anyone at Aflac … Aflac will immediately set plans in motion to conduct a nationwide casting call to find a new voice of the iconic Aflac Duck."
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Radio King Howard Stern came to Gilbert's defense today, lashing out at Aflac for firing him.
“They hired him in the first place knowing...this guy is offensive...everyone knows what Gilbert’s act is. This was no different.”
Gilbert Tweeted 12 insensitive jokes after the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan last Friday including “Japan is really advanced. They don’t go to the beach. The beach comes to them," and "I just split up with my girlfriend, but like the Japanese say, 'They'll be another one floating by any minute now.' "
Remember Gilbert as the Aflac duck in the commercial below. Do you feel he was unjustly fired?
