(3/14/03, 1 p.m. ET) -- Naomi Judd is taking heat for a racially insensitive comment she made last week on Star Search. While judging contestants, Judd referred to a black dancer as a "monkey," then commented favorably on "white people" tap dancing after a trio of Caucasian dancers finished their performance.
CBS's switchboard was reportedly flooded with calls and complaints following her remarks. "I was stunned," a source tells MSNBC. "She said it in a way that was meant to be funny and playful, but it was astonishingly racist and insensitive."
Judd defended her comments to the Tennessean, saying that she thought contestant Steven Bass used some elements of the "Funky Monkey" dance in his routine. "In my opinion, the talented Steven Bass appeared to be doing a hip-hop version of that dance," said Judd. "It never crossed my mind that it could be taken racially."
Judd apologized for any misunderstanding. "I am extremely distraught that comments I made on the show have somehow been construed as to be hurtful," Judd said. "My whole life's message has always been to unite people. I created the song 'Love Can Build A Bridge' for just that reason. I offer my sincere apologies to anyone who doesn't know me and misunderstood my comments as offensive or hurtful. I have the utmost respect for all of the performers on Star Search, and take my role as a judge seriously."
Along with Judd, celebrity hosts on the show include Ben Stein, Kathy Lee Gifford, Usher, and Earvin "Magic" Johnson. The next episode of Star Search, hosted by Arsenio Hall, airs Friday (March 14th) at 8 p.m. ET.
-- Margy Holland, Nashville
When asked to comment on the upcoming episode, Judd said "I can't wait to see what kind of monkey business Arsenio has in store for us...D'OH!"