Metro Weekly

News anchor apologizes after saying ”fag” on air

A TV news anchor in Minneapolis, Minnesota flubbed the word “flag” this week, uttering the anti-gay slur “fag” instead.

In a video that is circulating online, he is shown promoting upcoming stories. At first, he is seen talking about an issue related to the Pledge of Allegiance, then talks about a different story involving the Twin Cities Pride celebration.

The anchor, Bill Lunn of KSTP TV, used his Twitter account afterward to offer an explanation and apology.

“Haha… unfortunate slip of the tongue. Getting razzed at work a bit.

“4 years and they couldn’t get me on the KSTP blooper reel. I guess they’ve got me now.

“Btw, there was no gay pride story, that’s an inaccurate report by a website. There was a story about boy scouts right before.

“I want to sincerely apologize for stumbling over the word flag on Tuesday’s late newscast. What came out of my mouth was a word I never use.

“I think [online blogs] pick up on each other. We showed some pride video, teasing a story about Russia and LGBT issues there.

“I celebrate the diversity of our great state and am horrified that I may have offended people. I humbly ask for your forgiveness.

“Because I know what’s in my heart. It was an embarrassing slip of the tongue. Nothing more. Those who know me, know that.”

The Twin Cities Pride festival is scheduled to occur on the last two days of June. Minnesota became the 12th state to enact same-sex marriage rights last month. Prior to that, Minnesota had its fair share of LGBT-related controversies including Target Corp.‘s political donations, glitter bombs, anti-gay Congresswoman Michelle Bachman and pro-gay Viking Chris Kluwe.  

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