Jay Leno apologizes for Asian jokes, says ‘ring of truth’ doesn’t make ‘legitimate wrong’ disappear

Comedian Jay Leno says it’s time for him to own up to the “legitimate wrong” of telling Asian jokes.

The late-night icon has issued an apology demanded by Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA), which has opposed many of his Asian-themed “dog meat” jokes for over a decade.

“At the time, there was a prevailing attitude that some group is always complaining about something, so don’t worry about it,” he said in a statement, Variety reported Wednesday. “Whenever we received a complaint, there would be two sides to the discussion: Either ’We need to deal with this’ or ’Screw ’em if they can’t take a joke.’ Too many times I sided with the latter even when in my heart I knew it was wrong.”

Mr. Leno stressed that his mea culpa was not forced due to pressure by oversensitive activists.

“I am issuing this apology,” the comedian’s joint statement with MANAA leader Guy Aoki added. “I do not consider this particular case to be another example of cancel culture but a legitimate wrong that was done on my part. MANAA has been very gracious in accepting my apology. I hope that the Asian American community will be able to accept it as well, and I hope I can live up to their expectations in the future.”

The comedian originally rationalized his earlier humor as acceptable since the butt of his jokes was North Korea’s police state overseers.

“I was making fun of our enemy North Korea,” Mr. Leno wrote. “Like most jokes, there was a ring of truth to them.”