US TV star who claimed ‘gays don’t belong on television’ says comment was taken out of context
Juan Pablo Galavis, the US TV star who caused a stir recently after saying he didn’t think gay people should be seen on television because they are “more pervert,” has apologised, saying his comment was meant to imply that gay people are “more affectionate and intense.”
On Saturday, he posted an apology for his remarks on his public Facebook page, which reads: “I want to apologize to all the people I may have offended because of my comments on having a Gay or Bisexual Bachelor.
“The comment was taken out of context. If you listen to the entire interview, there’s nothing but respect for Gay people and their families.
“I have many gay friends and one of my closest friends who’s like a brother has been a constant in my life especially during the past 5 months. The word pervert was not what I meant to say and I am very sorry about it.”
Mr Galavis, who is Latino, went on to excuse his use of the word “pervert” on the fact that English is his second language.
“Everyone knows English is my second language and my vocabulary is not as broad as it is in Spanish and, because of this, sometimes I use the wrong words to express myself.
“What I meant to say was that gay people are more affectionate and intense and for a segment of the TV audience this would be too racy to accept.”
He added: “The show is very racy as it is and I don’t let my 5 year old daughter watch it. Once again, I’m sorry for how my words were taken. I would never disrespect anyone.”
In a statement, ABC called his comments “careless, thoughtless and insensitive,” adding that they do not represent the views of the network.
Mr Galavis also released a follow-up statement through GLAAD which apologises for “many gay Latinos who are hurt because of what I said.”
He added: “I know gay parents and I support them and their families. They are good parents and loving families.”
Not the first time in recent weeks that a television personality has caused controversy, last week a US host suggested that bisexual men do not exist.
The host of Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger, gave a backstage interview for the Bethenny Frankel TV show last week and suggested that bisexual men do not exist, because they’re all gay.
