Lewis apologizes for 'bad choice of words'

Las Vegas, Calif. -- Hollywood comedian and actor Jerry Lewis has apologized for a gay slur he uttered while attempting to ad lib a joke during his annual Labor Day telethon.

Although the 81-year-old icon helped raise nearly $64 million for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during the weekend event in Las Vegas, he came under fire for uttering a gay slur during the 21 1/2-hour telecast, TMZ.com said Tuesday.

"I made a joking comment to a member of my production team," he said in a statement issued to CNN. "I apologize to anyone who was offended. I, obviously, made a bad choice of words. Everyone who knows me, understands that I hold no prejudices in this regard. In the family atmosphere of the telethon, I forget that not everyone knows me that well; that something like this would distract from the true purpose of the telethon pains me deeply."

Lewis went on to say he takes responsibility for the word he said, adding: "There are no excuses. I am sorry."

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