Leno Apologizes
for "Gayest Look" Comment

Tonight Show host Jay Leno apologized Tuesday after being roundly criticized for remarks he made to guest Ryan Phillippe that aired March 19.

"In talking about Ryan's first role, I realize that what I said came out wrong," Leno said in a statement. "I certainly didn't mean any malice. I agree it was a dumb thing to say, and I apologize."

Phillippe had appeared on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno to promote his latest film, Stop-Loss. In the course of the interview Leno referenced the actor's portrayal on One Life to Live as the first gay teen on a daytime drama.

"Say that camera was your gay lover," Leno said to Phillippe. "Give that camera your gayest look. Say that camera is Billy Bob who's just ridden in shirtless from Wyoming."

"Wow," said a clearly uncomfortable Phillippe. "That is so something I don't want to do."

While the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation commended Phillippe for not playing along, it condemned Leno for his comments.

"We are proud of Ryan for refusing to participate in Leno's thoughtless attempt at humor," GLAAD president Neil G. Giuliano said in a press release. "Under the guise of comedy, the talk show host is demonstrating a lack of respect for the gay community and insensitivity to both his coworkers and the audience, to whom he owes an apology." (The Advocate)