Univision host fired for comparing Michelle Obama to 'Planet of the Apes'
Image: Chris Pizzello/Associated Press
Univision host and presenter Rodner Figueroa was fired on Thursday for racist remarks he made on air about First Lady Michelle Obama.
While filming Wednesday's episode of El Gordo y la Flaca, a Spanish entertainment news program, Figueroa likened the First Lady to a character from Planet of the Apes.
The comments were made while discussing Paolo Ballesteros, a Filipino actor who famously
uses makeup and wigs to style himself like famous celebrities. Figueroa
was commenting on a photo of Ballesteros styled in the likeness of
Michelle Obama.
In a statement, a Univision Communications
spokesperson confirmed Figueroa's termination and said that his remarks
"were completely reprehensible and in no way reflect Univision’s values
or views."
Figueroa penned an open apology letter to Obama, asserting he was fired after the White House lodged a complaint with Univision. The White House declined to comment.
In a statement to CNN Money, a network executive denied that the White House issued a complaint.
Source:Mashable
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