(CNN) - Conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh apologized Saturday for calling Sandra Fluke a "slut" this week after the Georgetown law student advocated for contraception coverage in a Democratic hearing.
“My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir,” Limbaugh said in a statement on his website. “I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices.”
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Limbaugh made the original comments Wednesday, in which he also suggested Fluke wanted taxpayers to pay for her to have sex.
"What does it say about the college co-ed [Sandra] Fluke, who goes before a congressional committee and essentially says she must be paid to have sex?" Limbaugh asked. "What does that make her? It makes her a slut, right? It makes her a prostitute. She wants to be paid to have sex. She's having so much sex she can't afford the contraception. She wants you and me and the taxpayers to pay her to have sex."
His remarks set off a major outcry, prompting top Republicans and Democrats alike to denounce the famed talk show host.
President Barack Obama called Fluke on Friday to offer his support, while Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum labeled the comments as “absurd” and Ron Paul described them as “crude.” Mitt Romney said Limbaugh's words were "not the language I would have used."
But Limbaugh repeated his comments during his show on Thursday and Friday, even taking them further to suggest that women who accept free contraception should film themselves having sex so taxpayers could watch.
In his apology Saturday, Limbaugh said he disagrees with the notion that contraceptives should be covered under federally backed health insurance plans, saying he finds it “absurd” that Americans are “discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress” and argued taxpayers should not “pay for these social activities.”
But Limbaugh admitted Saturday his choice of words referring to Fluke were “wrong.”
“For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.”
From CNN Politics
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Here we go, walking back from another stupid statement. Money can make even Rush eat his words. amazing as soon as company start pulling ads from his show he wants to apologize. Its all about money!
You are a big fat lair you meant every word you racist fool I hope she sue the red off of your racist face.
So an oxy addict is still the voice of good moral behavior? God bless America, the land of the fat and stupid!
CNN – of course didn't post Rush's full statement – they placed bits and pieces to make it seem like his only point was to apologize. Ms. Fluke brought this on herself.
Hey Rush!!! "It's too late to apologize" That song has been playing for a couple of days now!
I've heard less sincere apologies. But not many.
You have to admire Ms. Fluke for her courage and resolute to stand up and defend woman. She deserves the Nobel Prize just like the other three woman who got it last year for taking the same stand.
I get tired of hearing about how Rush Limbaugh & others like him, and evangelical christians are the only conservatives whose opinion matters in the Republican side of the election. I hold all the same conversative values, but I do not relate to those people. It sticks in my craw the way they communicate "my way or no way". Yes, I believe there are moral and social values to fight for; it's just the way they do it. They do it exactly like a lot of equally obnoxious democrats. Both of these elements can not acknowledge that a value or principle from the other side could possibly be worthwhile, that EVERY SINGLE THING the other side says is automatically wrong. Rush Limbaugh can't hear a democrat complete a sentence, and neither can his democratic counterparts.
Wow...best thing to ever happen to this coed. She owes Rush a huge thank you for catapulting here career. As they say, even bad news is good news. Now, can we get to more pressing maters. I still think what goes on in the bedroom between two consenting adults should impact nobody else in any way. I also believe that religious freedom must be protected and the law should be altered for contraception and abortion only and I think contraception should be available to everyone who wishes it and only those who do not have a job should be helped to purchase it.
I am not in any way a Rush fan. I do however appreciate the fact that he was man enough to apologize for his insulting comments.
The only joke here is Linbaugh himself.
As always Rush promves himself the NOBLE COWARD.... A real Man with guts would apoligize on the same Live Radio Show he insulted this women on.... What a weak and cowardly way to say i'm sorry.
According to the article, he repeated his comments for 2 more days. What good is his apology now?
Slimbaughs a jerk, always will be, always has been and now he's just that, a has been that leads the pubbys down their path of righteousness blindly like lemmings off a cliff
Quoting Rush Limbaugh today.
"HEE-HAW...HE..HAW..SNORT...HEHAWHEHAW...."
Whadayaexpektfrumajagas.
Rush is right look at what he rally said.
This disgusting person needs to be fired!
Note to all Limbaugh advertisers: I will boycott all of your products until you pull all of your ads from this man's show.
Sorry Rush, you did it on national radio, you can't fix it with a statement on a website that the people you insult don't go to. You have had way over your 15 minutes, time for you to go.
Ooooops...a little pressure from Clear Channel, perhaps?
And why do they show him in that setting? The perfectly placed flag, blue velvet drapery, looking all 'official' like he's on official political business. What a load of crap!
Superman,, oopps!
I'm not a fan and personally I wish he would leave the planet but I think we should all just ignore Rush from here out and move on. I just feel bad for those who follow him. They are really pathetic people.
FAIL!!! An attempt at humor? You people (rightwing nuts) have a sick idea of what humor is. Anyway...I don't think Limbaugh really believes what spews from his mouth. He's a shock jock, nothing more. The more ridiculous and controversial his comments, the more attention he gets.
I don't believe a word he says. If so why did he repeat it on Thursday and Friday. This from a man who uses Viagra, by his own admission after it was found on his plane in someone else's name. Viagra, by the way, is paid for by your insurance and mine.
The only reason he is apologizing now is because several of his major advertisers have cancelled!!! I hope they keep their word and do not return to support this lying hypocrate.
He shouldn't have apologized. There is plenty of support in the background, not to mention the volatile ratings increase