Imus: ‘I Am Not A Racist’

By Dylan on April 9, 2007 9:08 AM

That’s what Don Imus said on his radio show (simulcast on MSNBC) this morning. Over the weekend, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson were among the growing chorus calling for Imus’ head on a platter. Imus, who is scheduled to appear on Sharpton’s radio program today at 1:00PM EST, also said he is trying to set up a meeting with the Rutgers women’s basketball team whom he called “nappy headed ‘hos.”

Imus: “I’m not a bad person but I said a bad thing. … I’m not a racist and I’m not a bigot but they don’t know that … Do I want these young women to walk away and say, ‘OK’?” No, but there’s a difference between premeditated murder and a gun going off accidentally.”

He also said the show’s “climate” has to change.

“Because the climate on the program has been what it’s been for 30 years doesn’t mean it has to be that way for the next five … It has to change.”

Sharpton said he still wants Imus fired and that he intends to complain to the FCC. Jackson planned to protest Monday in Chicago outside the offices of NBC, which owns MSNBC. MSNBC, which had distanced itself from the Imus show after the “nappy ‘hos” comments, now says it is “reviewing” the matter. Allison Gollust, a spokeswoman for MSNBC, said the network considers Imus’ comments “deplorable.”

EARLIER:

Essence Editor: Imus Apology ‘Unacceptable,’ Deserve ‘Severe Consequences’

Imus Apologizes For ‘Nappy ‘Hos’ Comment

Imus Calls Rutgers’ Women’s Basketball Team ‘Nappy-Headed ‘Hos’ | MSNBC Distances Itself