Mitt Romney Accepts Apology from MSNBC Host: 'It's a Heartfelt Apology,' Romney Says
Mitt Romney accepted an apology from MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry after guests on her show made controversial remarks about the former Governor's family. Romney called the apology "heartfelt" and graciously accepted it on behalf of his entire family.
"I recognize that people make mistakes, and the folks at MSNBC made a big mistake," Romney said on "Fox News Sunday." "They've apologized for it and that's all you can ask for. People like me are fair targets," he added. "If you get in the political game, you can expect incoming. But children, that's beyond the line. And I think they understand that. I think it's a heartfelt apology and for that reason, we hold no ill will whatsoever."
Harris-Perry offered an initial apology via Twitter but then on Saturday made a sincere apology during her TV show. At times the host choked up and was very emotional while offering the apology.
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"Without reservation or qualification, allow me to apologize to the Romney family. Adults who enter into public life implicitly consent to having less privacy, but their families, especially their children, should not be treated callously or thoughtlessly. My intention was not malicious, but I broke the ground rule that families are off-limits. For that, I am sorry," Harris-Perry said.
The controversy began when Harris-Perry showed a photo of the Romney family, including grandson Kieran, who was adopted. Guests Dean Obeidallah and Pia Glenn made remarks about the notable difference between Kieran and the rest of his family.
"It really sums up the diversity of the Republican party, the RNC. At the convention, they find the one black person," Obeidallah joked.
"One of these this is not like the others, one of these things just isn't the same," chimed in Pia Glenn.
Both later apologized for their remarks, and Harris-Perry added that as a child of transracial adoption, she could understand the Romney's upset at the remarks.
"Allow me to apologize to other families formed through transracial adoption because I am deeply sorry that we suggested that interracial families are in any way funny or deserving of ridicule," Harris-Perry said. "On this program, we are dedicated to advocating for a wide diversity of families, it is one of our core principles. And I am reminded that when we do so, it must be with the utmost respect. We're genuinely appreciative of everyone who offered serious criticisms of last Sunday's program, and I am reminded that our fiercest critics can sometimes be our best teachers."
