A Fox News host apologized Monday to Canadians amid outrage over comments made on a late-night talk show suggesting Canadian soldiers were effeminate and expressing ignorance about their role in Afghanistan.
In the segment that aired last week on the late-night program "Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld" panelists suggest Canadian soldiers need time off for "manicures and pedicures."
Canadian Lt. Gen. Andrew Leslie had said the military would need a one-year break from operations after Canada's mission in Afghanistan ends in 2011.
Gutfeld said Monday that his comments "may have been misunderstood" and in no way were meant to disrespect "the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize."
Fox News issued Gutfeld's statement just after the Canadian government demanded an apology for what it called the "despicable" and "disgusting" comments.
In the segment on his show Gutfeld said: "The Canadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white capri pants." Gutfeld also added: "Isn't this the perfect time to invade this ridiculous country? They have no army."
Another panelist, Doug Benson, said he didn't even know Canadian troops were in Afghanistan.
Defense Minister Peter MacKay requested the apology Monday before attending a repatriation ceremony with the families of four soldiers who were killed last Friday. So far, 116 Canadian soldiers have died in Afghanistan.
"It is crass. It is insensitive and it is in fact disgusting given the timing where Canada is just receiving back four fallen heroes," MacKay told CTV News.