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Anastos apologizes Thursday night for offhanded remark/WNYW
Veteran Fox 5/WNYW anchor is getting some flack for an adlibbed remark with weatherman Nick Gregory.
During some innocent banter with Gregory Wednesday night, Anastos said, “It takes a tough man to make a tender forecast,” a play on the old Perdue chicken commercials.
To what Gregory replied, 'I guess that's me." What Anastos said next caused an Internet sensation with lightning speed.
As laughing ensued, Anastos told Gregory to “Keep F---ng that chicken.” Co-anchor Dari Alexander is seen startled by the f-word.
Watching the video clip several times, one thing is clear---Anastos intended to say “Keep plucking that chicken,” which would fit in the context of their poultry talk.
What is not as clear is whether Anastos actually uttered the word in question or it was just poor articulation.
Regardless, Lew Leone, WNYW General Manager/Vice President wasn’t interested in analyzing the videotape. He said in a statement, “We are disappointed with Ernie’s comment on the air.”
Leone said the anchor would apologize Thursday for the “use of inappropriate language.”
On that night’s 10 o’clock news, Anastos did just that. He came out of the same weather segue and said, “I just want to say that I misspoke during last night’s newscast. I apologize for my remarks to anyone who may have been offended.”
The video has appeared on countless Web sites since Wednesday night, including You Tube. (seen below)
You can follow Jerry on Twitter @NYMediaExaminer.
Comments
As a follow-up to "What's The Frequency Kenneth", I understand REM's new single will be called "Keep F**king That Chicken".
Ahem! Regarding headline about Anastos' gaffe - please look up definition of "curse." F*** is not a "curse." Foul language, perhaps, but curse it is not.
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