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Columbus Short Apologizes to Tom Joyner for Using N-Word

Scandal star apologizes for his "bizarre" behavior on morning show.

Columbus Short said some things he regrets during a recent interview on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, and now the Scandal actor has issued a statement to apologize for his "bizarre" behavior.
In a statement to talk show host Tom Joyner and his audience, Short expressed "sincerest apologies for the confusion over my appearance on your show last Friday morning." He continues, "I am a longtime supporter and admirer of The Tom Joyner Morning Show and I was looking forward to an opportunity to speak with you and your audience. Unfortunately, the early morning (approximately 5:45 a.m. Pacific Time) following a late-night event had me at what some describe, less than my best."

The bullet-pointed statement goes on to "clarify" some of Short's statements on the show, which included the actor referring to the host by the N-word. "I rarely use the 'n' word and I could not have picked a worse time to do so. I deeply apologize for directing it towards you," he says.

"Regarding my statements about women being insecure, I am a strong believer and supporter of women and I am always amazed by all that our better halves accomplish," begins Short's second point. "I come from a family of strong Black women and I would never discredit or minimize their success. I have the deepest respect for women, their strength and innate beauty. To suggest anything else was never my intent. I simply wanted to emphasize that women have no reason to feel that way and my song, 'Gave Ya,' is meant to convey just that."

The actor goes on to assert that he was "not high, drunk or otherwise under the influence. I was simply exhausted. After a long day, the early call threw off my schedule. This was no excuse — you and those who support me deserved better."

He rounds out his apology by asking Joyner to "please accept my deepest apologies for any misunderstandings for that morning call. It would be an honor to appear on the TJMS in the future to set things right with your audience.”
The incident on the morning show caps off an already rough month for Short, who faced assault charges from leaving a man bloodied and unconscious after a bar fight, and then later a restraining order from his estranged wife after he allegedly threatened to kill her and then himself.
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 (Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

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