Follow Up to fox news blog

Fox News host apologizes to Canada
Talk-show segment ridiculed country and its reliability as an ally in fighting terrorism just before four Canadian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan


ALEXANDER PANETTA

The Canadian Press

March 23, 2009 at 3:01 PM EDT

OTTAWA — A Fox News host apologized Monday to Canadians in the face of widespread outrage over comments he and his guests made on a late-night talk show.

The statement came hours after a request by the Canadian government for an apology over remarks about this country's military that were described as “despicable” and “disgusting.”

Greg Gutfeld, host of the controversial segment on Fox's Red Eye show, said he never intended to make light of Canadian military efforts in Afghanistan.

“However, I realize that my words may have been misunderstood,” Mr. Gutfeld said in a statement released by Fox News.
Canada's military can take a one-year break since they enjoy the protections of their southern neighbour, the United States, suggested Fox News Red Eye host Greg Gutfled and panelists.

“It was not my intent to disrespect the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize.

“ Red Eye is a satirical take on the news, in which all topics are addressed in a lighthearted, humorous and ridiculous manner.”

The recent talk-show segment was taped just before four more Canadian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan and featured a group of pundits taking turns trashing Canada and its reliability as an ally.

They were spurred by comments from Canada's army chief that the military would need a year's hiatus to regroup and refurbish after its Kandahar mission ends in 2011.

In the Fox News segment, widely aired on the Internet, Mr. Gutfeld said the Canadian military “wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white capri pants.”

“Isn't this the perfect time to invade this ridiculous country?” he said. “They have no army.”

Defence Minister Peter MacKay requested an apology just before leaving for Canadian Forces Base Trenton, where he was to attend a homecoming ceremony with the families of the latest soldiers killed.

“It's crass, it's insensitive, it's in fact disgusting, given the timing,” Mr. MacKay told CTV News.

“There should be an apology — to the families in particular, and to the Canadian Forces and to Canada generally — given the sacrifice and the commitment that we've demonstrated in Afghanistan.”

Canadian soldiers have been fighting in Afghanistan since 2001 and have spent the last four years in the country's most violent region. Canada has lost 116 soldiers in Afghanistan, the highest casualty rate among allied countries fighting there.

Earlier Monday, a spokesman stressed that the Canadian government specifically wanted an apology from the panelists who made the wisecracks — and not just from the Fox network at large.

“These are despicable, hurtful and ignorant comments,” said Dan Dugas, a spokesman for Mr. MacKay.

“I think that so-called comedian should stare in the camera at his first opportunity and apologize to all of the families of people he's hurt with these despicable comments.

“And he's got to say, 'I was misinformed. I was ignorant of the truth and the contribution of the Canadian Forces to the war on terror, and I want to take it back. I know as a comedian that I can fail sometimes; I failed miserably at this so-called comedy.'

“And his panelists should say the same.”

Canada says it will withdraw most of its 2,500 troops from Kandahar when its current combat mission expires in 2011.

The Fox News program aired after Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, the Canadian army chief of staff, said the military would need a one-year break from operations once the long and difficult mission in Afghanistan winds down.

One of Mr. Gutfeld's panelists, Doug Benson, said he didn't even know Canadian troops were in Afghanistan.

“I didn't even know they were in the war. I thought that's where you go if you don't want to fight — you go chill in Canada,” he said.

The segment was posted online under the title, “How to Lose Friends and Alienate Countries.”

By Monday afternoon, more than 3,000 people had posted responses to the clip, which also makes fun of RCMP officers and their traditional red uniforms.


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