Howie Mandel is apologizing after he was criticized for making a joke about bulimia during an episode of “America’s Got Talent.”
The host commended contestant Steve Starr on his ability to swallow objects whole and bring them back up in one piece. Starr considers himself a “professional regurgitator.”
“You, sir, make bulimia entertaining,” Mandel joked to Starr, after saying his joke would “probably come out wrong.”
(Photo: Getty Images)
Now Mandel is apologizing.
“I made a comment earlier, it’s live television, I wasn’t thinking,” he said. “I made light of bulimia, which is a very serious eating disorder and mental health issue. I deal with mental health all the time, and I did something stupid. I should never make light of it. I apologize to anybody that was offended. I’m not perfect, I make mistakes.”
The 59-year-old then tweeted out a similar apology. (RELATED: Petition Launched Against ‘Transphobic’ Caitlyn Jenner Halloween Costume)
I am NOT perfect. I make mistakes. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was offended.
I am NOT perfect. I make mistakes. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was offended.
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) August 26, 2015