Oh Martin

TV journalist Martin Bashir has apologised for making what he called a “tasteless” comment about Asian women.

Speaking at the Asian American Journalists Association annual banquet in Chicago, he said: “I’m happy to be in the midst of so many Asian babes. In fact, I’m happy that the podium covers me from the waist down.”

But in a letter published in New York magazine, the 45-year-old said: “Upon reflection, it was a tasteless remark that I now bitterly regret.”

Bashir currently hosts the news documentary show 20/20 on US TV network ABC. Jeffrey Schneider, a spokesman for the channel, said: “This kind of remark has no place in any setting and Martin knows that and is truly sorry for his serious error in judgment.”

Bashir made the speech last month with his 20/20 co-presenter Juju Chang standing nearby on the stage. He went on to say that a speech should be “like a dress on a beautiful woman, long enough to cover the important parts and short enough to keep your interest—like my colleague Juju’s”.

As audience members booed the comment, Ms Chang said: “See what I have to put up with?” [BBC]