A presenter with a Spanish-language US television network has likened First Lady Michelle Obama to a cast member of the film Planet Of The Apes.
Figueroa made the remark during an appearance on a popular talk show, called El Gordo Y La Flaca, while discussing the work of a makeup artist who works to copy the looks of famous people.
"Look, you know that Michelle Obama looks like she's part of the cast of the film Planet Of The Apes," Figueroa said in Spanish.
The comparison quickly drew accusations of racism.
"Rodner Figueroa made comments regarding First Lady Michelle Obama that were completely reprehensible and in no way reflect Univision's values
Univision has fired Rodner Figueroa after the comment.
or views," the Miami-based network said in a statement.
"As a result, Mr Figueroa was immediately terminated," the statement said.
Figueroa, in an open letter to the First Lady posted on the website Latin World Entertainment, wrote in Spanish that his comments were not directed at Mrs Obama but toward the makeup artist who had sought to replicate her look.
"I feel mortified, and I ask for your forgiveness, because there is no excuse for a professional like myself to make a comment like that which can be interpreted as offensive and racist in these volatile times that our country is experiencing," he wrote.
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