Controversial comedian Tracy Morgan is urging gay rights leaders to invite him to a pride rally, so he can prove he's truly sorry for his recent homophobic remarks.
The 30 Rock star hit the headlines last week after making a series of offensive comments about homosexuality during a stand-up show in Nashville, Tennessee.
He has since apologised for the scandal, admitting he went "too far" and insisting his choice of words were "not funny in any context".
A host of Morgan's TV co-stars have since come forward to condemn his actions, including Cheyenne Jackson, Margaret Cho and 30 Rock creator and colleague Tina Fey, but the actor is adamant he meant no real harm.
In an interview with rap mogul Russell Simmons' blog GlobalGrind.com, Morgan says, "I guess the reason I am successful is because I am so unfiltered. And sometimes as a result I say really stupid shit...
"I am deeply sorry for the comments I made. What I am most sad about is the comments I made about kids and bullying. I would never want any young person to think that I wasn't on their side and if any young person thinks they can bully a young gay kid, come see me at 30 Rock... I would be happy to meet you...
"When all of this set in, I realised how hurtful my words were... In my heart, I know that the words I used are indefensible. I appreciate the love from my friends and fans, but I was wrong. Period."
And Morgan is keen to show his critics just how much he regrets his behaviour - by asking equal rights activist Simmons to invite him to the next gay rights demonstration he's planing to urge US politicians to legalise same-sex marriage.
He adds, "I believe everyone deserves the right to be happy and marry who they want to; gay, white, black, male or female. Let me know where the rally's at Russ. I'm there!"
Gay comedienne Margaret Cho, who has worked with Morgan on TV show 30 Rock, was stunned when she heard of his offensive comments.
She tells Access Hollywood Live, "I was really hurt by it. Anytime anybody says anything homophobic in an context, it just murders me. I have been so close to people who have been killed by homophobic violence, and so it's something I can't take lightly.
"I feel odd about it because Tracy's wonderful to work with and I'm surprised... It was an irresponsible thing for him to do. What was amazing is he apologised right away. I'm proud that our community has that power to demand an apology that would come that quickly."
Cho admits that all hurtful homophobic talk brings back terrible childhood memories for her: "When I was a really young girl I had a gay teacher, who knew I was shy but knew there was potential there. So we would write in a journal back and forth to each other.
"One day he didn't come to school and I went to another class and the kids were laughing, saying, 'That faggot got murdered,' and he had been killed by an act of homophobic violence. I was so destroyed I left school. That's why I dropped out of high school. I could not return to that."
Morgan has also been called in for talks with chiefs of NBC, which airs 30 Rock, who are unimpressed with the star's antics.
NBC's network entertainment chief Robert Greenblatt tells The Hollywood Reporter, "We will always recognise an artist's freedom to express him or herself, but not when reckless things are said no matter what the context.
"Unfortunately, Tracy's comments reflect negatively on both 30 Rock and NBC - two very all-inclusive and diverse organisations - and we have made it clear to him that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.
"I speak for NBC and myself personally when I say we do not condone hate or violence of any kind and I am pleased to see Tracy Morgan apologising for recent homophobic remarks in his standup appearance."
WENN.com