Rick Sanchez: Comments about Jon Stewart were "Narrow-Minded"

Jon Stewart and Rick Sanchez

/ Getty/CNN

Nearly a week after calling "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart a bigot and suggesting that members of the Jewish faith control the TV networks, former CNN anchor Rick Sanchez confirmed in a statement Wednesday that he has apologized to Stewart. Sanchez also called his comments "narrow-minded" and said he was excited about whatever opportunities lay ahead of him after being fired from CNN.

Sanchez said that he opposes "hate and intolerance in any form" in the statement released by CNN. In an interview with satellite radio host Pete Dominick Thursday, Sanchez said that Stewart is bigoted toward "everybody else that's not like him." CNN fired Sanchez Friday.

In his written statement, Sanchez referred to his controversial comments as "tired and mangled," confirming words his wife posted to Facebook Monday that the comments were the result of "exhaustion from working 14 hr days for 2 mo. straight."

Reports of Sanchez apologizing to Stewart came from a post Suzanne Sanchez published to her Facebook page. On Monday night -- the first "Daily Show" episode since Rick Sanchez's comments were broadcast -- Stewart opened the show by lampooning Sanchez. Stewart didn't mention having a conversation with Sanchez or an apology.

Read Sanchez's full statement below:

On October 4th, I had a very good conversation with Jon Stewart, and I had the opportunity to apologize for my inartful comments from last week. I sincerely extend this apology to anyone else whom I may have offended.

As Jon was kind enough to note in his show Monday night, I am very much opposed to hate and intolerance, in any form, and I have frequently spoken out against prejudice. Despite what my tired and mangled words may have implied, they were never intended to suggest any sort of narrow-mindedness and should never have been made.

In the aftermath of these comments, CNN and I have decided to part ways. However, I want to go on record to say that I have nothing but the highest regard for CNN and for my six wonderful years with them. I appreciate every opportunity that they have given me, and it has been a wonderful experience working for them. I have tremendous respect for everyone there, and I know that they feel the same about me. There are no hard feelings -- just excitement about a new future of opportunities.

I look forward to my next step with great anticipation.

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[Salty14u2]

Despite his lame appearance on his show, Rick Sanchez needed to get this off his chest. I wasn't a big fan of his, but I think him saying what was on his mind was critical. Call it like it is - sometimes the truth hurts. Sometimes, the truth is just that.

[askagain]

When I was a child my mother always told me to do what the Jews do. She told me to get a good education. That was probably the best advice anyone ever gave me. As a group, Jews are highly educated. Many of us know that education is the key for success. How else do you explain the many Jewish scientists, doctors, and lawyers?

[John_Merritt]

One piece of advice for Rick or anyone who might be in the position (or stance in life) where he was caught. There is a vast difference between being narrow-minded and focused. It comes down to motivation. What is the motive for anything we do or say in life? That maybe the gold standard by which most things are measured.

[CWOODS8178]

CNN MADE A HUGE MISTAKE FIRING RICK

[Skruffy1]

The point is not whether what Sanchez said is true, so much as the fact that he, in his position with CNN, should not be whining that persons of Jewish faith (or "Jews" if you will) have a lot of sway in the media. He's always been a whiner and a drama queen, and he never was of network caliber.

[Ordflyer]

Wow what a LAME excuse. What is this a modified Mel Gibson defense?? "I was tired and became anti-Semitic and a rascist???"

Guess what Mr Sanchez,millions of people are tired each day and they just go to sleep....it doesn't make them into blabbering bigots on national TV.

It's all for the best as I'm sure FOX News will snatch him up!

[realityzone]

Glad to see him go, his drama queen coverage was so fake and annoying.

[Carol Raphael BROSN]

It is good that Mr. Sanchez has apologized for his offending comments. The few times rhat I watched Mr. Sanchez I found that he was too quick to ridicule and unjustly criticize those with whom he disagreed. As a reporter he has a duty to study facts before coming to unfair conclusions. Hopefully he has learned a lesson from this experience. Carol Raphael Brosnan

[senca67]

This a test.

[ActaNonVerba]

American Jews make up only 2% of the population of America. Yet: 46% make over $100,000 per year, they make up 15% of the U.S. Senate, 13% of the U.S. House of Representatives, 67% of members of the Board of the Federal reserve, 33% of the U.S. Supreme Court. Media: Just taking CNN only, 55% of corporate officers for TBS, which owns CNN, are Jewish. On air, Larry King, John King, Howard Kurtz, Eliot Slpitzer, Jeffrey Toobin, Paula Zahn, etc.. Rick Sanchez has nothing to apologize for.

[askagain]

When I was a child my mother always told me to do what the Jews do. She told me to get a good education. That was probably the best advice anyone ever gave me. As a group, Jews are highly educated. Many of us know that education is the key for success. How else do you explain the many Jewish scientists, doctors, and lawyers?

[irishjoo]

Are you always such an idiot or is this a special occasion?