The Reverend Jesse Jackson has apologised for derogatory comments he made about Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Mr Jackson was appearing on Fox Newson July 6th when a microphone picked up his remark suggesting that Mr Obama was "talking down to black people" in recent speeches at black churches, according to a tape of the comments played on the Fox News Channel.
He then said, referring to Mr Obama, "I want to cut his nuts off," according to Fox News. Mr Jackson was speaking at the time to Reed Tuckson, executive vice president and chief medical officer of United Health Group.
Speaking on CNN, Mr Jackson (66) apologised for the remarks and said they were "crude".
The reverend, who unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, said he didn't know the microphone was on.
"Anything I said in a hot-mic statement that's interpreted as a distraction, I offer apologies for that," Mr Jackson said at a news conference yesterday after his remarks became public. "I have supported Barack's campaign with passion from the very beginning. I thought the very idea made sense.
"We've been there all the way, because I think this campaign is a redemptive moment for America and a great opportunity to redefine America.''
A spokesman for Mr Obama said the candidate accepted the apology.
Bloomberg
