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A meteorologist by the name of Jeremy Kappell, says it was an accident and is apologizing for uttering the word “coon” while pronouncing Martin Luther King Jr.’s name.
In Rochester, New York, the chief meteorologist for NBC affiliate WHEC called this a “flub” and a honest mistake. He said on-air “this is the way it looked out in Martin Luther “coon” King Jr. Park.”
He says it was a simple mix-up of words, as he was saying “King JR” too fast. Of course, the internet was not buying it as he received tons of backlash on social media. This mishap led to Kappell losing his job.
Kappell thinks it’s unfair that he was not able to issue a public apology before getting fired. He mentions that 2 other on-air talents have made the same exact mistake, they just were able to keep their jobs.
Since the incident, mix reactions have been floating around the internet, including an opinion from Al Rocker. Rocker feels like “Jeremy Kappell made an unfortunate flub and should be given the chance to apologize” He also mentions “Anyone who has done live tv and screwed up (google any number of ones I’ve done) understands.”
I think @JeremyKappell made an unfortunate flub and should be given the chance to apologize on @news10nbc Anyone who has done live tv and screwed up (google any number of ones I’ve done) understands.
— Al Roker (@alroker) January 9, 2019
Check out the video below, what do you think? Was it an honest mistake?