apologies

Tracy Morgan: ‘If I Had a Gay Son, I Would Love Him Just As Much’

Photo: John Sciulli/2011 Getty Images
Photo: John Sciulli/2011 Getty Images

Though Tracy Morgan apologized for his homophobic stand-up routine soon after it became a major news story on Friday, the controversy only seemed to grow over the weekend as other comedians weighed in on his words. Now, after his 30 Rock boss Tina Fey and NBC head Robert Greenblatt rebuked Morgan in public statements, a more penitent Morgan has given an interview to Russell Simmons where he attempts to walk back his jokes that homosexuality is a choice and that if his son came out, Morgan would stab him to death.

I guess the reason I am successful is because I am so unfiltered. And sometimes as a result I say really stupid shit. 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. I am deeply sorry for the comments I made. What I am most sad about is the comments I made about kids and bullying. I would never want any young person to think that I wasn’t on their side and if any young person thinks they can bully a young gay kid, come see me at 30 Rock. On the corner, I would be happy to meet you. Or Brooklyn if you can’t make it into Manhattan.

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 shit, not some shit that gets me knocked upside my head.

Meanwhile, the season finale of 30 Rock — where Liz Lemon can’t enjoy her summer vacation because Tracy keeps making trouble for her — is looking awfully prescient.

Tracy Morgan Wants To Go To The Gay Marriage Rally! [GlobalGrind]

Tracy Morgan: ‘If I Had a Gay Son, I Would Love Him Just As Much’