Ted Danson addresses decades-old controversy in candid interview

Ted Danson has once again opened up about one of the darkest chapters of his career.

The 78-year-old actor admitted that he will continue apologising “for the rest of my life” over his controversial blackface performance in the 1990s.

The Cheers and The Good Place star reflected on the infamous incident during an appearance on comedian W. Kamau Bell’s podcast, Who’s with Me?, where he candidly discussed the backlash that has followed him for more than three decades.

The performance took place during a Friars Club roast honouring his then-girlfriend, Whoopi Goldberg, in 1993. 

While the event was intended as a comedy roast, details of Danson’s blackface appearance quickly leaked beyond the private gathering, sparking outrage and cementing the moment as one of Hollywood’s most controversial missteps.

Speaking openly, Danson admitted he was “arrogant and stupid” to believe he could pull off the routine.

“I would like to address this and apologise forever,” he said, acknowledging that people still discover footage online and feel shocked and hurt by it.

The Becker actor revealed he and Goldberg had tried to pull out of the event as their relationship was nearing its end, but ultimately went ahead with the appearance.

Looking back, he said he wrongly convinced himself the performance could work as a form of “theatre”.

Instead, he recalled watching the room turn against him as many audience members reacted with anger and disbelief.

Despite Goldberg publicly defending him at the time, Danson insisted her support never excused his actions. 

He also reflected on renewed criticism during the Black Lives Matter movement, admitting resurfaced clips left him feeling frightened.

Now, after years of reflection, Three Men and a Baby star says he has learned a vital lesson: intentions matter far less than impact.

“I was wrong and it was hurtful,” he said.

“So, I apologise again to anyone who’s listening.”

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