Sorry - ABC TV Apologizes To Filipinos For Racial Slur

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Saying "there was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines," the producers of a television show that insulted health workers here offered their "sincere apologies" to Filipinos on Wednesday.

In an episode aired Sept. 30, "Desperate Housewives" character Susan asks her doctor: "OK, before we go any further, can I check these diplomas? Just to make sure they aren't, like, from some med school in the Philippines?"

"They apologized and I think that's enough," Presidential chief legal counsel Sergio Apostol told the Manila Bulletin.

"The producers of 'Desperate Housewives' and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere," the Walt Disney-owned company said in a statement.

"There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines," it added.

Outrage followed the statement considered as a racial slur in the Philippines and abroad, including in the United States where many Filipino doctors and nurses have immigrated.

"On the face, we can look at it as a racial slur," said Eduardo Ermita, the executive secretary of the President. He immediately asked for an apology.

"Such insensitivity betrays a complete ignorance of the fact that through the years, Filipinos and Filipino Americans have made quite a mark in the medical field across the entire United States," Philippines ambassador to the US Willy Gaa wrote Anne Sweeney, president of Disney-ABC Television Group. He demanded a public apology from Sweeney.

"A statement that devalues Filipinos in healthcare is extremely unfounded, considering the overwhelming presence of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the medical field," said an on-line petition with over 53,000 signatures.

"As leaders in broadcast diversity, we are committed to presenting sensitive and respectful images of all communities featured in our programs," ABC said.