Rick Sanchez: Sorry for "Inartful" Comments
CBS News reports:
Nearly a week after calling "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart a bigot and suggesting that members of the Jewish faith control the TV networks, former CNN anchor Rick Sanchez confirmed in a statement Wednesday that he has apologized to Stewart. Sanchez also called his comments "narrow-minded" and said he was excited about whatever opportunities lay ahead of him after being fired from CNN.
Sanchez said that he opposes "hate and intolerance in any form" in the statement released by CNN. In an interview with satellite radio host Pete Dominick Thursday, Sanchez said that Stewart is bigoted toward "everybody else that's not like him." CNN fired Sanchez Friday.
In his written statement, Sanchez referred to his controversial comments as "tired and mangled," confirming words his wife posted to Facebook Monday that the comments were the result of "exhaustion from working 14 hr days for 2 mo. straight."
Reports of Sanchez apologizing to Stewart came from a post Suzanne Sanchez published to her Facebook page. On Monday night -- the first "Daily Show" episode since Rick Sanchez's comments were broadcast -- Stewart opened the show by lampooning Sanchez. Stewart didn't mention having a conversation with Sanchez or an apology.
Read Sanchez's full statement below:
On October 4th, I had a very good conversation with Jon Stewart, and I had the opportunity to apologize for my inartful comments from last week. I sincerely extend this apology to anyone else whom I may have offended.
As Jon was kind enough to note in his show Monday night, I am very much opposed to hate and intolerance, in any form, and I have frequently spoken out against prejudice. Despite what my tired and mangled words may have implied, they were never intended to suggest any sort of narrow-mindedness and should never have been made.
In the aftermath of these comments, CNN and I have decided to part ways. However, I want to go on record to say that I have nothing but the highest regard for CNN and for my six wonderful years with them. I appreciate every opportunity that they have given me, and it has been a wonderful experience working for them. I have tremendous respect for everyone there, and I know that they feel the same about me. There are no hard feelings -- just excitement about a new future of opportunities.
I look forward to my next step with great anticipation.
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