Gilbert Gottfried Apologizes for Japan Jokes

Gilbert Gottfried Howard Stern Joan Rivers

2:21 pm, March 15th, 2011

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Gilbert Gottfried has apologized for a series of tasteless Twitter jokes about the string of disasters in Japan.

“I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my attempt at humor regarding the tragedy in Japan,” the comedian said in a statement. “I meant no disrespect, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families.”

Aflac fired Gottfried as the voice of the company’s well-known duck yesterday, saying that the former spokesman’s tweets (which have been deleted) “were lacking in humor” and didn’t represent Aflac’s feelings.

Meanwhile, Gottfried’s longtime ally Howard Stern defended the comedian on his show Tuesday, claiming that Aflac knew exactly what they were getting with the infamously insensitive Gottfried and had no right to fire him.

Joan Rivers also sides with Gottfried.

“Oh come on people – this is just outrageous! Gilbert Gottfried was FIRED from Aflac for making jokes about the tsunami in Japan,” tweeted the comedy legend.

“That’s what comedians do!!! We react to tragedy by making jokes to help people in tough times feel better through laughter.”

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