Sunday, March 4, 2012
Associated Press
WASHINGTON
Conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh apologized Saturday to a Georgetown University law student he had branded a “slut” and “prostitute” after fellow Republicans as well as Democrats criticized him and several advertisers left his program.
The student, Sandra Fluke, had testified to congressional Democrats in support of their national health-care policy that would compel her college to offer health plans that cover her birth control.
“My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir,” Limbaugh said on his website. “I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices.”
Attempts to reach Fluke by telephone and email were unsuccessful.
Fluke had been invited to testify to a House committee about her school’s health-care plan that does not include contraception. Republican lawmakers barred her from testifying during that hearing, but Democrats invited her back, and she spoke to the Democratic lawmakers at an unofficial session.
President Barack Obama telephoned her from the Oval Office on Friday to express his support.