MSNBC Apologizes for Misspelling Niger Innis' name

Palm Beach Post ^ | Feb 7, 2002

[John Jorsett]

NEW YORK (AP)--MSNBC has apologized for a typographical error that turned the name of an interview subject into a racial slur.

The network on Monday aired an interview about the Enron case with Republican consultant Niger Innis. The onscreen graphic identifying Innis, who is black, had an extra ``g'' in his first name.

Shortly after it appeared, correspondent Gregg Jarrett offered Innis a ``profuse apology.''

``Oh, God, I thought you guys thought I was a rapper or something,'' Innis replied. ``Media bias continues. Just kidding. It's not the first time it's happened, but hopefully it's the last.''

It was strictly a typographical mistake, network spokesman Mark O'Connor said Thursday. He wouldn't say whether any disciplinary action was taken against the person who made the blunder.

[John Jorsett]

[Black Agnes]

ping

[Colonel_Flagg]

Absolutely amazing. My guess is that some vidifont operator is looking for other employment today.

[Cogadh na Sith]

Unfortunate.

Oh, God, I thought you guys thought I was a rapper or something,'' Innis replied. ``Media bias continues. Just kidding. It's not the first time it's happened, but hopefully it's the last.

Kudos to him for handling it with a little humor and grace instead of a lawsuit.

[dfwgator]

It was strictly a typographical mistake, network spokesman Mark O'Connor said Thursday

R-i-i-i-i-ght.

[Texaggie79]

oopsie

[frogandtoad]

You gotta understand. Not only is he one of us. He has class.

[Callahan]

MSNBC should thank God this fellow was a Republican. Otherwise they would be facing a massive law suit on behalf of Jesse Jackson and people name "Niger" everywhere. The guy dealt with this bumble the right way.

[Calvin Coolidge]

"Grace and Humor": Absolutely. Good thing he was a Republican, if he was a Dem, he would have used this typo as the opportunity to launch an extended tirade about the racist-dominated media.

[Saundra Duffy]

Mr. Innis should sue!!!!!!

[Ward Smythe]

Reminds me of an estate sale ad I once read in the Richmond Times-Disgrace. The ad said the house had furniture, rugs and africans for sale, meaning of course "afghans." (the paper made the goof)

An African American woman in my office called the number and asked "Can you tell me exactly what kind of Africans you have for sale?"

The poster of the ad was horrified.

[illbenice]

LOL

He looks like a nice guy I hope he doesnt take it personally.

[Sir Gawain]

Thanks for the ping, Texaggie69.

[jpl]

I eagerly await the Revs. Jackson and Sharpton call for a boycott of MSNBC. But I probably shouldn't hold my breath waiting...

[John Jorsett]

It could have been worse. They might have impugned his masculinity:

[section9]

This was an accident like I'm the Man in the Moon.

Some left wing peon decided to insult Niger Innis. Do not be surprised if the peon in question turns out to be a black liberal.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[veronica]

He is a very nice guy, and the son, I believe, of Roy Innis. BOTH class acts all the way.

[Sir Gawain]

Registurd might like this story.

[Old Professer]

You had to go and put up the graphic, didn't you? I was sitting here thinking of Gniger, like Gnu; Nigerg, Ngiger, and Nigrge.

[DeaconBenjamin]

My take also. An editorial comment by someone who was confident they would not be punished.