TV presenter says sorry for SuBo slur
A TV star from New Zealand has apologised for calling Susan Boyle “retarded”.
Paul Henry, who presents a breakfast show on the state-owned Television New Zealand, made the comment in a broadcast on November 23.
The TV station has now upheld complaints made against him by viewers – but Henry looks set to keep his job.
Speaking after the ruling, Henry said: “I am sorry that some people have taken what I said in a way that I never intended.
“In fact, I have a great amount of respect for people who rise to the challenges imposed on them in life.”
In the controversial broadcast, Henry read a quote from a magazine which said that Scots-born Susan had an intellectual disability because she was starved of oxygen at birth.
He said: “Here’s the really interesting revelation: she is in fact, retarded.”
Anthony Flannery, Television New Zealand’s head of news and current affairs, admitted Henry’s comments had “overstepped the mark”.
He added: “We apologise to those who were hurt and distressed by it.”