Variety reports that MSNBC has suspended Alec Baldwin's "Up Late" program for two weeks after an incident in which the host and actor called a man filming his family a "c**ksucking f*g."
Baldwin quickly apologized for the remarks, tweeting "Anti-gay slurs are wrong. They not only offend, but threaten hard fought tolerance of LGBT rights … I’m grateful to all of the ppl I meet + hear from who recognize that I would never say something to offend my friends in the gay community."
He reiterated those sentiments in a statement posted on MSNBC's website, in which he wrote:
Words are important. I understand that, and will choose mine with great care going forward. What I said and did this week, as I was trying to protect my family, was offensive and unacceptable. Behavior like this undermines hard-fought rights that I vigorously support.I understand “Up Late” will be taken off the schedule for tonight and next week. “I want to apologize to my loyal fans and to my colleagues at MSNBC – both for my actions and for distracting from their good work. Again, please accept my apology.
Baldwin's been caught saying and tweeting homophobic slurs numerous times in the past year, though he insists that he is a dedicated ally to the LGBT community.
Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann was quick to note that Baldwin's show had been replaced by an episode of Lockup:
Next on MSNBC: Lockup: Alec Baldwin.
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 16, 2013
[Image via AFP]
