MSNBC host Ed Schultz apologizes for ‘right-wing slut’ remark

The liberal host of MSNBC’s The Ed Show and The Ed Schultz Show radio program was suspended without pay for one week by MSNBC because of sexist comments he made about a conservative radio host.

“President Obama is going to be visiting Joplin, Missouri on Sunday but you know what they’re talking about, like this right-wing slut, what’s her name?” Schultz asked on . “Laura Ingraham? Yeah, she’s a talk slut.”

On The Ed Show Wednesday night, Schultz said he was "deeply sorry" for his comment. "It was wrong, uncalled for, and I recognize the severity of what I said. I apologize to you, Laura, and ask for your forgiveness."

"What I said was terribly vile," he said, adding that his comment had embarrassed his family and MSNBC.

After making his apology, he handed over his show to Thomas Roberts.

In a statement released earlier that day, MSNBC said that "remarks of this nature are unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

On her Facebook page, Ingraham said she was surprised that Schultz even had a radio show, wondering if it was only available on the Internet.

"I have to get back to recording the audio edition of my new book," she continued. "Now I'm tempted to insert one additional zing--about men who preach civility but practice misogyny."

After learning about his suspension, Ingraham tweeted, "Oh great, now his ratings will go up."

On his radio show Wednesday, Schultz said he was sorry for his sexist remarks, but did not apologize directly to Ingraham.

"I just want to make sure that if there are any ladies out there who were offended that I used that term, I do apologize," he said. "I didn't mean to offend you."

Watch video of Schultz's apology, courtesy of MSNBC, below:

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Updated May 25, 2011 at 10:45 EST.