Actor Ted Danson has publicly reiterated his remorse for a 1993 incident where he performed in blackface during a roast for his then-girlfriend, Whoopi Goldberg. In a recent podcast interview with W. Kamau Bell, Danson stated his desire to ‘apologize forever’ for the performance, acknowledging the hurt it caused and the enduring repercussions.

Reflecting on Past Mistakes

Danson explained that his intention at the time was to address the media’s portrayal of his interracial relationship with Goldberg through what he thought was ‘performance theater.’ However, he now recognizes the act as misguided and offensive. ‘I thought I could say something valuable about race and race relations, but it was so stupid and entitled,’ Danson admitted.

The actor shared that he had consulted Goldberg about the performance, believing she didn’t want to stifle his creativity. Despite his intentions, the performance was poorly received, with Danson recalling that only a small portion of the audience appreciated it, while the majority were offended.

Impact and Ongoing Apology

Danson noted that the incident resurfaced during the Black Lives Matter movement, leading to a loss of corporate sponsorships and personal reflection. He emphasized that his intentions were irrelevant compared to the impact of his actions, stating, ‘The impact you have on people is what matters.’

W. Kamau Bell, the podcast host, acknowledged Danson’s willingness to confront his past mistakes, noting that he experienced ‘cancel culture’ before it became a widely recognized phenomenon. Bell praised Danson for his continued openness about the incident, highlighting it as a testament to his character.

Danson’s reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of understanding the impact of one’s actions, regardless of intent, and the necessity of ongoing accountability.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.