Jerry Lewis Apology

The statement I made on the May 20 CBS Morning Show was made in error. It is certainly not how I feel. I admire people with disabilities. That's why I've worked so hard for all these years. Many of the people that I work closely with are in wheelchairs and I have never seen any of them as inferior to anyone else. They are my friends and co-workers.

I would never intentionally harm or demean anyone with a disability. I believe in my heart of hearts that I have done good work. I have spent more than 50 years trying to make a difference. To make life better for those with disabilities.

The American public has been supportive of MDA and our cause and has never let us down. I would hate to think that I had ever let them down. That's not what I'm about. I'd hate to think that all the work I have done these 50 years can be so diminished. I am a comedian by profession and a fund-raiser because I care. I have a successful career in the entertainment industry and have always felt I need to give back to the public that has supported me so tirelessly for all these years. I've done the best I knew how to do. But never at the cost of those I serve. Please accept my deepest apology.