The former Seinfeld actor called the game of cricket “gay”
Jason Alexander issued a lengthy apology on Twitter Sunday, following a comment made during an appearance on CBS’ Late Show with Craig Ferguson Friday that left many gays, lesbians and gay rights activists in an uproar.
Jason Alexander, the former Seinfeld actor, was asked by Craig Ferguson about the game of cricket. Alexander’s response was far from ordinary as his comments have left many outraged and him struggling to make amends.
“Have you ever played cricket?” Ferguson asked. “Cricket’s an amazing game.”
“It’s a gay game,” Jason Alexander replied. “There’s a lot of people wearing white. People wearing helmets for no discernible reason . . . Everybody breaks for tea in the middle.”
Ferguson responded jokingly, “Yea, it’s a cross between baseball and Downtown Abbey.”
For those not aware, Downtown Abbey is an award-winning British-American TV series that premiered in September 2010.
Shortly after his appearance on Friday’s program, Jason Alexander said of the reaction to his comments, “A few of my Twitter followers made me aware that they were both gay and offended by the joke. And truthfully, I could not understand why.”
On Sunday, Jason Alexander issued a lengthy apology on Twitter that he termed as “a message of amends.” Alexander said that after spending some time thinking about it he realized he was wrong. “And the worst part is – I should know better,” he tweeted. “My daily life is filled with gay men and women, both socially and professionally. I am profoundly aware of the challenges these friends of mine face and I have openly advocated on their behalf.”
“So, I can only apologize and I do. In comedy, timing is everything. And when a group of people are still fighting so hard for understanding, acceptance, dignity and essential rights – the time for some kinds of laughs has not yet come. I hope my realization brings some comfort.”
