LA Radio Station Apologizes for 'Islamophobic' Skit in Request of Muslim Concern Group
The relationship between Islamist and Christian becomes tense due to the recent Spain bombing, which is believed to have connection with the Islam extremists. A Los Angeles radio station aired a satiric skit offended some Muslims a week ago in the midst of threat of terrorist attack. Yesterday, it issued an on-air apology in request of many listeners.
On the March 10, the skit aired Bill Handel show on KFI AM 640. Handel and another unnamed performer put on a mock-Middle Eastern accent to act as an "Islamic constitutional scholar" and read from the "new Iraqi constitution."
It suggested Iraqis want to marry camels and goats, avoid bathing, and meet Japanese schoolgirls in heaven. The pretend "Muslim" also repeatedly stated "death to the Jews" and "kill all Jews," and listeners heard a brief recording of Islamic prayers in Arabic.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) complained about "racism" and "bigotry" to the Federal Communications Commission and Clear Channel Communications, the station's parent company.
KFI Program Director Robin Bertolucci clarified that the Handel show was attempting to make a satirical point about the extremist Iraqis in Iraq.
"In the process, we unwittingly offended a lot of people, and for that we are very sorry. That was not our intention. Our intention was to be satirical,?he said.
Initially, KFI has refused to apologize to CAIR. "We're tired of being stepped all over and being made fun of over airwaves," CAIR-LA Communications Director Sabiha Khan said. "No American should ever have to take this type of treatment."
"We thank all those who contacted KFI to express their concerns about the skit's outrageous and inflammatory content," she added "This incident proves once again that positive actions on the part of individuals and organizations can bring positive results."
CAIR-LA will also continue to monitor KFI?s program to avoid 'Islamophobic' skit.