According to a press release shared with CNN on Thursday, the Media Network for Asian Americans has launched a years-long campaign involving the former “Tonight Show” host of racist remarks.
MNA said it has been complaining about Leno’s comments for almost 15 years. The group said that in a recent zoom call between Leno, MNA leader Guy Ok Oki, President Rob Chansen and Vice President Lance Rance Lim, the comedian expressed his remorse.
In a joint press release with MNAA, he quoted Leno as saying, “I really thought he was harmful when I was making those jokes at the time.” “I was making fun of our enemy North Korea, and like most jokes, they also had a ring of truth.”
CNNA has reached out to both Leno and MNA representatives for further comment.
Leno was documented in 2002 Like the Chinese and the Koreans make jokes about having dogs and the comments have been going on for years.
According to the MNA press release, “In February 2002, the day after the previous jokes, the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition (APAMC, of which MAAA is a founding member) held a conference with chair Karen Narsaki and the executive director of the Korean-American Coalition. Some Koreans would eat dogs. “
“Whenever we get a complaint there are two sides to the debate: either ‘we have to deal with this’ or ‘screw’ if they can’t joke,” Leno was quoted as saying in a press release. . “Even in my heart whenever I knew it was wrong I often sided with the latter.”
“I do not consider this particular case to be another example of a culture of cancellation, but it is legally wrong for me to do so. The MNA has been very kind to me in apologizing,” he said.
“I hope the Asian American community will also be able to accept it, and I hope I can live up to their expectations in the future.”
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