Radio host apologizes for mocking Heath Ledger's death
A US radio host has apologized after mocking actor Heath Ledger's death on air.
Presenter John Gibson played the iconic quote from Ledger's hit gay romance movie, Brokeback Mountain, in which the actor said: "I wish I knew how to quit you".
Shocked listeners then heard Gibson say: "Well, he found out how to quit you."
The actor was found dead in his New York apartment on Tuesday at the age of 28.
Gibson continued to play another audio piece from the flick, in which Ledger said: "We're dead."
He then repeated Ledger's quote before playing the clip again.
Gibson's comments sparked fury among fans on Tuesday night after he made his comments on his Fox radio programme, The John Gibson Show.
Gibson also dubbed the late star a "weirdo" with a "serious drug problem" - and later joked that Ledger took his own life because "a serious position in the [stock] market" or because he "watched the Clinton-Obama debate last night."
He added: "I think he was an Edwards guy, cause he saw his Edwards guy was just completely irrelevant."
On his Fox News television show on Thursday, Gibson apologized.
He said: "I am sorry that some took my comments as anti-gay and insensitive.
"To anyone offended by my comments I am sorry.
"I am also sorry Heath Ledger is no longer alive."
Comments
I will never turn on Fox
I will never turn on Fox news again. You call it fair reporting...he speaks for Fox news and if that is how you feel this is not a news program but opinions of insensitive men!
How can a person in John
How can a person in John Gibson's public position be so stupid, not to mention insensitive. Those in the public eye need to be held more accountable for the statements they make. An insincere apology after the fact doesn't change the bigotry and hatred Mr. Gibson generated by his remarks.
I am a proud Australian who
I am a proud Australian who was fortunate to watch Heath throughout his career. I marvel at his talent and I also loved the way he managed to remain normal. Unlike the bigoted man that is Gibson. Thank God only the USA know who he is, and the rest of the world is blessed because we dont have to hear his poison.
....Gibson (and, likely, the
....Gibson (and, likely, the engineer who found and played the audio clips): just a sad little mean bully, like I remember from the seventh grade. Murdock has chosen to use total scum like this to masquerade as adult commentators -- shame on those who listen to it.
That's not an apology.
That's not an apology. That's making noise to placate his bosses.
"I'm sorry for my comments, they were inappropriate and insulting to Heath Ledger's excellent career." - come on, is it that hard to say?
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