Joe Francis 'Retarded' Apology: Girls Gone Wild Founder Issues Groveling Apology (VIDEO)
Joe Francis has apologized for calling a jury "retarded." Francis had used the word to rebuke the jury that convicted him of assaulting and falsely imprisoning three women in his Hollywood residence in 2011.
Francis was charged with abducting a group of female friends, after telling them he would give them a ride home. However, after they got into his car, he allegedly took them back to his residence.
A two week trial ended with Francis being convicted for assault and false imprisonment of the three women.
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In the aftermath of the conviction, Francis – founder of Girls Gone Wild – became aggressive and rebuked the jury for finding him guilty. He insisted that he was innocent and called the jury "retarded" for finding otherwise.
Speaking to E! News, Francis insisted he was innocent: "I have done nothing wrong! This is a total joke! It did not happen and that mentally challenged jury should be put in jail!"
He went on to call the jury even more animated names. However, he has now retracted and apologized for his use of the word "retarded," saying that his remark was "appalling."
Francis said: "I deeply regret the remarks attributed to me in the interview with the Hollywood Reporter. They were hurtful and do not reflect my true feelings. While I disagree with the jury's verdict as I am completely innocent of the charges and intend to appeal, I was afforded a fair trial, and if I lose at the appellate level, I will reluctantly but fully accept the jury's verdict."
He added, "This was a 6 hour interview with the Hollywood reporter where I detailed to the reporter all of the evidence and why I believed the evidence showed I am 100% innocent."
He continued, "The reporter also interviewed my attorney David Houston for over 3 hours, but failed to include one shred of evidence from the trial that proved beyond a reasonable doubt my innocence. I did NOT commit a crime at all whatsoever. All that was publicized were my most intemperate remarks that were borne out of frustration but with no intent to cause anyone harm. I am not, nor have I ever been a violent person."
Francis retreated from his comments saying, "My comments are appalling, but anyone who has ever been wrongfully convicted of a crime that they did NOT commit would be as frustrated as I am.
"I want to apologize to all the jurors, the court, the City Attorney and my attorneys for my comments that were manipulated by the media, and please know I am truly ashamed of my conduct. I am truly, truly sorry. I hope everyone will understand I was not being serious and that I fully and deeply apologize for my remarks."
