AOL: Limbaugh's Comments Lacked 'Integrrity'
The fallout stemming from talk show host Rush Limbaugh's derogatory remarks about a Georgetown law student is continuing, with another major advertiser removing their ads from Limbaugh's radio program.
In a statement released Monday AOL said: "One of our core values is that we act with integrity. We have monitored the unfolding events and have determined that Mr. Limbaugh's comments are not in line with our values."
AOL spokeswoman Caroline Campbell explained that the advertisements that were scheduled to air on the program were "not a significant investment for us."
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Limbaugh called law student Sandra Fluke a "slut" and "prostitute" last week after she testified before members of Congress.
Lawmakers were hearing her testimony concerned with national health care policies that would require employers and other organizations to offer health insurance plans that cover contraceptives.
Limbaugh apologized to Fluke after several other advertisers began pulling their ads, but there are still calls for all advertisers to remove their ads as well as calls for the radio show host to step down.
"Those two words were inappropriate. They were uncalled for," Limbaugh said in a statement on his website, RushLimbaugh.com. "They distracted from the point that I was actually trying to make."
Fluke came out on Monday stated that Limbaugh's apology does nothing to change the situation, adding that Americans have the choice to support companies that continue to advertise on his program or tune out.
Clear Channel's Premiere Radio Networks Inc., who hosts Limbaugh's program, came out to defend the radio personality.
"The contraception debate is one that sparks strong emotion and opinions on both sides of the issue," a statement issued by Premiere Networks read.
"We respect the right of Mr. Limbaugh, as well as the rights of those who disagree with him, to express those opinions."
Clear Channel has declined to say how much revenue it had lost from advertisers.
