New Delhi: Geraldo Rivera, a famous news commentator, has finally apologised for “publicly embarrassing” Bette Midler.
Taking it to Twitter, Rivera offered an apology to Bette Midler in light of her resurfaced groping accusations, but he did not outright admit to any sexual misconduct.
He wrote, “Twenty-seven years ago I wrote a tawdry book depicting consensual events in 1973 – 45 years ago. I’ve deeply regretted its distasteful & disrespectful tone & have refrained from speaking about it – I’m embarrassed & profoundly sorry to those mentioned – I have & again apologize to anyone offended.”
Video of Midler recounting the alleged incident to Barbara Walters in a 1991 interview resurfaced after Rivera, 74, defended friend Matt Lauer, who was fired from the Today show this week following accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior at work.
Midler revealed the alleged incident to Walters after the veteran journalist asked about Rivera’s claim that he and the stage star had a sexual encounter.
As for Lauer, 59, Rivera tweeted, “Sad about @MLauer great guy, highly skilled & empathetic with guests & a real gentleman to my family & me,” adding, “News is a flirty business & it seems like current epidemic of #SexHarassmentAllegations may be criminalizing courtship & conflating it w predation.”
Following his tweets, Rivera issued an apology Wednesday evening after receiving backlash. (ANI)