Jerry Lewis apologized Tuesday for using the phrase, ‘Illiterate Faggot’ during the 18th hour of his nationally televised Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy.

In his statement Lewis said,

“That something like this would distract from the true purpose of the telethon pains me deeply. The success of the show and all the good that will come of it shouldn’t be lost because of one unfortunate word. I accept responsibility for what I said. There are no excuses. I am sorry.”

“I apologize to anyone who was offended. I obviously made a poor choice of words. Everyone who knows me understands that I hold no prejudices in this regard. In the family atmosphere of the telethon, I forget that not everyone knows me that well.”

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation came forward early Tuesday and demanded an apology. GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano said on the group’s web site,

“Jerry Lewis’ on-air use of this kind of anti-gay slur is simply unacceptable. It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm’s way.”

Giuliano said GLAAD would like to arrange a meeting with the comedian and explain their side.

“We want to sit down with him, help him understand why these words are so hurtful, and give him an opportunity to raise public awareness about the destructive impact of these kinds of anti-gay slurs, even more so in attempted humor.”

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