Talk show host Rodner Figueroa was fired from Univision after saying that Michelle Obama looks like someone from the cast of “Planet of the Apes.”
Figueroa, who’s known for his biting fashion commentary, made his remarks during a live segment of the show “El Gordo y la Flaca” in which the hosts were commenting on a viral video that shows a makeup artist transforming himself into different celebrities, including Michelle Obama.
In the lengthy letter, Figueroa addresses Obama directly and offers a formal apology while explaining that the comment was taken out of context. The former “Sal Y Pimienta” host also said his dismissal was a direct result of a complaint by the first lady’s office to the network and that Univision publicly humiliated him.
“I want to clarify that I’m not racist and in no way was my comment directed at you, but rather the work of the [make up] artist, which left much to be desired,” the letter says.
Rodner said in the letter that he comes from a biracial family, was among the first openly gay television personalities on Hispanic television and voted twice for President Barack Obama.
