TV host forced to say sorry after branding Susan Boyle 'retarded'

Published on Monday 21 December 2009 21:46

A NEW Zealand television host has been forced to apologise after calling Scottish singer Susan Boyle "retarded".

• Singing sensation Susan Boyle wows her audience. Picture: Robert Perry

Paul Henry aimed a string of jibes at SuBo during a popular morning show.

The station was immediately swamped with furious viewers and an investigation was launched by watchdogs.

Now Mr Henry has been ordered to say sorry almost four weeks after making the remarks.

"I am sorry that some people have taken what I said in a way that I never intended," he said.

"In fact, I have a great amount of respect for people who rise to the challenges imposed on them in life. The amount of support and coverage I, and the programmes I'm associated with, give to these issues is evidence of the commitment we have to these people, their families and friends."

Henry made the original comments about SuBo during the TVNZ Breakfast Show last month.

While reading a magazine article about the Britain's Got Talent favourite, Henry, 49, laughed as he described how she was "starved of oxygen" at birth and suffered an intellectual disability.

He went on: "Here's the really interesting revelation: she is in fact retarded.

"And if you look at her carefully, you can make it out."

He then poked fun at the 48-year-old from Blackburn, West Lothian, after reading how she was "ritualistically beaten" at school.

Henry dissolved into giggles on the couch as he read the magazine spread.

His stunned co-host Pippa Wetzell said: "That is not funny. That's awful. She's had such a tragic life that woman."

But Henry responded: "No it's not, it is not funny. And that's why you are here to make sure the people know that. It isn't funny – it's horrible. It's come good now though hasn't it?"

The station was immediately bombarded with calls from outraged members of the public.

Disability charities and public groups also condemned Mr Henry's comments as "highly offensive".

The former BBC presenter initially refused to apologise and claimed he was the victim of an orchestrated campaign.

He said: "I can't recall a time that I've regretted saying anything."

But now the star has been ordered to back down by Television New Zealand bosses after the station's complaints committee upheld complaints against Mr Henry.

Head of news and current affairs Anthony Flannery admitted the presenter had overstepped the mark. He added: "We apologise to those who were hurt and distressed by it."

Disability group IHC New Zealand welcomed the decision and Mr Henry's apology.

A spokesman said: "Paul's apology will make things easier for people with intellectual disabilities, who have been enormously embarrassed and offended by what he said.

"Our goal was to make TVNZ and Paul Henry realise that the words they broadcast are extremely powerful and can affect how people feel about themselves and others."