Tracy Morgan returned to Nashville on Tuesday, where he apologized personally to audience members from his June 3 show, where he unleashed a slew of homophobic remarks.
“The first thing I want to say is that I apologize to Kevin [Rodgers], the people who were at the show for bumming them out, I want to apologize to my friends and my family and my fans and everyone in every community, who is offended with this,” Morgan said at a press conference organized by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) at the Nashville Convention Center.
“I don’t have a hateful bone in my body. I don’t believe that people should be bullied or just made to feel bad about who they are. I totally feel that in my heart. I really don’t care who you love, same-sex or not, as long as have the ability to love. That’s the important thing here. So, now at this point in my life is an opportunity to make a difference. I don’t really see gay or straight, I just see human beings now,” the “30 Rock” star continued.
Adding, “I pride myself on 20 years, 18 years of standup, using it to heal people and not hurt. That was my whole thing and I hurt people with this. So, from the bottom of my heart, I apologize to everybody who I offended with my words on stage in Nashville and anywhere else. I just apologize to you… To err is human, but to forgive is divine. These young people here forgave me… I just want to take this opportunity to help and not hurt.”
Rogers, who was in attendance at the June 3 show and wrote the Facebook post titled, “Why I No Longer ‘Like’ Tracy Morgan — A Must Read” – which caused the comedian’s remarks to make headlines – was also in attendance on Tuesday.
“I greatly appreciate what he said and really appreciate him taking time out to come back,” Rogers said.
Following their remarks, Morgan and Rogers – who were both wearing vertical striped shirts – hugged and left the room. Morgan did not take questions from reporters.
Click here for Rogers’ entire account of Morgan’s June 3 tirade.
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