Media action network for Asian Americans has launched a yearlong campaign covering the history of racist comments from the former “Tonight Show” host, according to a press release it shared with CNN on Thursday.
MANAA said it has been complaining about Leno’s comments for nearly 15 years. The group said that, in a recent Zoom call between Leno, MANAA leader Guy Aoki, President Rob Chan and Vice President Lawrence Lim, the comedian expressed regret.
“The moment I made those jokes, I really thought they were harmless,” they quoted Leno in a joint press release with MANAA. “I was joking about our enemy North Korea, and like most jokes, there was a ring of truth in them.”
CNN has contacted both Leno and MANAA representatives for further comment.
In 2002 Leno was documented because they made fun of Chinese and Koreans eating dogs and the comments went on over the years.
According to MANAA’s press release, “The day after the first of those jokes in February 2002, the then Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC, of which MANAA is a founding member), Karen Narasaki, Chairman and Executive Director of the Korean American Coalition, a conference. call Leno, who insisted that some Koreans eat dogs. “
“Every time we received a complaint, there would be two sides to the discussion: either ‘We have to deal with this’ or’ Screw them if they can’t take a joke, ” Leno says in the press release. I sided with the latter, even if I knew in my heart that it was wrong. ‘
“I don’t see this particular case as another example of a cancellation culture, but as a legitimate mistake made on my part. MANAA has very graciously accepted my apologies,” he said.
“I hope the Asian-American community will be able to accept it too, and I hope I can live up to their expectations in the future.”