Tracy Morgan is heading back to Nashville to say he’s sorry for his anti-gay humor, in person.
The comedian and 30 Rock was blasted for an homophobic tirade during his standup routine. He issued a statement apologizing, but he is also planning to return to the country music capital next week and apologize in person to the audience members he offended. He told GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios he’s also committed to meeting with LGBT youth in NYC who have been hurt or left homeless by parental rejection, as well as family members who have lost children to anti-gay violence.
In an interview with Russell Simmons for Global Grind, Tracy Morgan explains “the reason I am successful is because I am so unfiltered. And sometimes as a result I say really stupid s***.”
During his act, Morgan joked that he would “pull out a knife and stab his son to death” if he announced he was gay. Morgan regrets the joke, saying, “The truth is if I had a gay son, I would love him just as much as if he was straight. I might have to try to love even more because I know of the difficulty that he would have in society.” ”Of all the sicknesses, there is probably none more abusive than homophobia.
My heart is committed to giving everyone the same rights that I deserve for myself. ”I don’t care if you love the same sex as long as you have the ability to love someone. Also, you should have the right no matter who you are to protect and serve our country.” He continued, ”I am deeply sorry for the comments I made. What I am most sad about is the comments I made about kids and bullying,” he continues. “I would never want any young person to think that I wasn’t on their side.” In hindsight, Morgan says the experience has taught him a valuable lesson about the power of comedy. ”
When all of this set in, I realized how hurtful my words were. Not asking anyone to feel sorry for me or pity me, but I definitely don’t want or need people to defend me. In my heart, I know that the words I used are indefensible. ”I appreciate the love from my friends and fans, but I was wrong. Period. Now, I just gotta think of some funny s***, not some shit that gets me knocked upside my head.”
