Nearly a week after making the controversial comments that got him fired from CNN, Rick Sanchez released a statement Wednesday apologizing for what he called "inartful," "tired and mangled" words that he said "were never intended to suggest any sort of narrow-mindedness and should never have been made."
In his statement, Sanchez said he had personally apologized to Jon Stewart, whom he called a "bigot" in his comments last week. He also said that he left CNN with "no hard feelings - just excitement about a new future of opportunities," and will continue on his current book tour.
The "tired and mangled" statement would appear to back up what Sanchez's wife, Suzanne, wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday. In it, she blamed Sanchez's "exhaustion from working 14 hr days for 2 mo. straight."
Below, see the full statement from Sanchez:
On October 4th, I had a very good conversation with Jon Stewart, and I had the opportunity to apologize for my inartful comments from last week. I sincerely extend this apology to anyone else whom I may have offended.
As Jon was kind enough to note in his show Monday night, I am very much opposed to hate and intolerance, in any form, and I have frequently spoken out against prejudice. Despite what my tired and mangled words may have implied, they were never intended to suggest any sort of narrow-mindedness and should never have been made.
In the aftermath of these comments, CNN and I have decided to part ways. However, I want to go on record to say that I have nothing but the highest regard for CNN and for my six wonderful years with them. I appreciate every opportunity that they have given me, and it has been a wonderful experience working for them. I have tremendous respect for everyone there, and I know that they feel the same about me. There are no hard feelings -- just excitement about a new future of opportunities.
I look forward to my next step with great anticipation.