Jay Leno apologized today for on-air remarks he made during an interview with Ryan Phillippe when he asked Phillippe - who played daytime TV's first gay teen character on One Life to Live - to give him his "gayest look."

"In talking about Ryan's first role, I realize that what I said came out wrong," the host said in a statement. "I certainly didn't mean any malice. I agree it was a dumb thing to say, and I apologize."

Jay Leno shocked both viewers and guest Ryan Phillippe when he during The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on March 19 said to Phillippe, "Can you give me, like – say that camera is your gay lover..."

Phillippe tried to laugh it off, but Leno wouldn't drop it and finally asked, "Can you give me your 'gayest look?'" The visibly flustered actor stood up and jokingly threatened to leave but stayed for the rest of the interview adding, "This may be my last visit."

"We are proud of Ryan for refusing to participate in Leno's thoughtless attempt at humor," says GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano. "Under the guise of comedy, the talk show host is demonstrating a lack of respect for the gay community and insensitivity to both his co-workers and the audience, to whom he owes an apology."

See the The Tonight Show incident below:

Last update: 04-01-2008 19:47