American TV Host Jay Leno Apologizes for 'Dog Meat Joke' After Over 20 Years

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Jay Leno, the American "King of Talk Shows," has apologized for decades of anti-Asian remarks. He spoke out belatedly amid growing concerns over anti-Asian sentiment following the Atlanta shooting incident.

On the 24th (local time), during a video call with Guy Aoki, leader of the Asian American advocacy group Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA), Leno explained, "I did not intend to ostracize Asians. It was clearly my fault," according to People magazine.

Leno, former host of the famous American late-night talk show The Tonight Show, had made several derogatory remarks about Koreans, including "dog meat jokes." In 2019, during the recording of NBC's competition program America’s Got Talent, he looked at a contestant’s pet dog drawing and said, "It looks like a dish on a Korean restaurant menu." The comment was edited out and did not air. Although some contestants raised concerns at the time, no significant action was taken.

When Kim Dong-sung was disqualified in the short track event at the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics, Leno said on The Tonight Show, "Kim Dong-sung was so angry that he went home, kicked his dog, and then ate it." The Korean American Community Council demanded Leno’s removal, but he remained on air until the show ended in 2014.

Regarding the criticism over the dog meat jokes, Leno said he remained silent because he thought they were harmless jokes and that he enjoyed mocking North Korea, "our enemy," based on facts.

He added, "When complaints about the jokes came in, I usually responded with an attitude of 'If you can't accept it, whatever.' But deep down, I knew it was wrong."

Guy Aoki, who had raised concerns about Leno’s anti-Asian remarks since 2012, decided to accept his apology. Leno said, "I hope Asian Americans will accept my apology," and "I will strive to meet expectations going forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.