Rick Santorum Reacts To Shirtless Picture: 'I Probably Should Lose About 15 Or 20 Pounds'

On Friday, the blog Joe My God featured a photo of a shirtless Rick Santorum lounging on a pool chair in Puerto Rico. The author claims it was snapped by passengers on an all-gay cruise.

Later in the day, interviewed by Steve Cochran on his radio show, Santorum verified that the photo was authentic, and addressed ShirtlessGate with a dose of self-deprecation.

"They caught me sunbathing when I was in Puerto Rico," Santorum said. "We took about an hour to sit out by the pool and catch a few rays, and so I guess a paparazzi got me, and I know, I probably should lose about 15, 20 pounds, but I'm working on it."

Cochran told Santorum that a "civilian" had actually taken the photo, and asked if Santorum had given anyone permission to do so. Santorum said he had not.

The candidate continued, "I apologize to all of us, because I'm sure it's not a pretty sight."

Santorum had been in Puerto Rico to campaign for Sunday's primary, which will award 20 delegates to the winner. He created a stir by telling a crowd that the U.S. territory should adopt English as its official language if it wants to be granted statehood.