Tim Conway, Jr, and his executive producer have been sidelined after a skit from earlier in the month with racial overtones that prompted complaint from the Asian-American community.
Conway and Serron Bellio were suspended by iHeartRadio after the Media Action Network for Asian Americans applied pressure to the owner of KFI.
The two issued apologies Friday tied to the May 3rd skit that lasted five minutes, with Conway interviewing Bello, who was impersonating longtime LA-market radio personality Vic “The Brick” Jacobs’ wife, Yuko Sakamoto. The bit included variations of “Hiya!” “Heeyah!” “Heeyo!” and Bello using a stereotypically-mocking Asian accent.
As Deadline reported, Sakamoto doesn’t speak with an accent.
“On May 3rd during our show, I did an impression in which I perpetuated stereotypes of Asian Americans, only adding to an already difficult time for many,” Bellio said. “I want to sincerely apologize for my actions that have offended and hurt listeners & anyone in the Asian American/Pacific Islander community. I am deeply sorry that my failed attempt at humor was insensitive and I feel horrible about that. My words tonight will never convey the shame that I’m feeling because of my actions and I just – I really want to apologize.”
Conway added, “We believe it’s important to take this time to recognize the issue of hate crimes against Asians that have significantly increased over the last few months. In fact, these crimes have doubled in the last month. And over the last year and a half, Asian Americans across this country including in our very own Southland communities, have endured despicable and sickening acts of hate & violence, fearing for their safety and the safety of their families.”
The two will be off the remainder of this week before returning to air on Tuesday, June 1st. Mark Thompson and Wayne Resnick are filling in for Conway this week.
