Fane says sorry
New Zealand TV star David Fane has apologised to the New Zeland Jewish community for saying that “Jews are expendable” and that “Hitler had a right”.
The following is the letter sent to Stephen Goodman, President of the New Zealand Jewish Council.
To Mr. Stephen Goodman, President of the New Zealand Jewish Council,
David Fane
I would like to apologise for the offensive comments that I made about the Jewish people and the offence that I have caused the Jewish community.
The words that were said are in no way indicative of how I personally feel, however that does not justify the use of them.
There are many faces to bigotry and sadly I have added mine, to speak and make light of the plight faced by so many defies belief let alone intelligence, so to the families of those who suffered and to the wider Jewish community I am deeply sorry. I am also aware that I have caused offence to friends and colleagues who are Jewish and though I have apologized personally to some of them this makes me additionally remorseful for the damaging nature of what I said.
I have naturally received letters of complaint and am in total accordance with them. However one letter I received suggested that I attend the Anne Frank exhibition that is returning to Auckland next month. I feel this is an excellent idea and will take my children to teach them why words such as those spoken by me are inexcusable and unacceptable.
I appreciate your balanced response to my foolish words and recognize the good grace and generosity that you showed in this. Please be assured that I will try to demonstrate more of these traits in future.
Yours sincerely
David Fane
The radio station hosting Fane’s program also apologised for Fane’s behaviour
