'Law & Order: SVU' Star Issues Apology for Racist Remark: 'No Justifications...Deeply Sorry for the Pain I've Inflicted'

BD Wong, known for his role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, faced criticism online after making a racially insensitive joke comparing a Black individual to an animal. Wong has since publicly apologized for the comment.

The controversy originated from a reply Wong made to @therealtarzann, a social media account run by animal educator Mike Holston. In a post where Holston invited followers to Name this animal wrong answers only, Wong responded, It appears to be a Black man. This comment prompted widespread backlash, with many users labeling it as racist and offensive.

On Monday, the 65-year-old actor addressed the situation on Threads, acknowledging the harm caused and taking full responsibility. Wong wrote, I want to elaborate re a racist comment I posted, to clarify that I recognize & accept the responsibility for how terrible it is. Its also wrong to try to explain anything, & I think that causes a further breaking down in folks trust.

He continued, Let me please spend the energy on how wrong I know it is to exploit a despicable, racist trope in the supposed spirit of humor; I do know better, but again no excuses. Very sorry for the hurt Ive caused & for taking lightly something so deeply injurious.

This was Wongs second apology on the platform. Earlier, he wrote, Yall I made a very bad joke. As most people in hot water do, I deleted it for Damage Control but its out there & continues to hurt & disappoint & Im really sorry about the hurt part. Super dumb, but I tried to follow the Wrong Answers Only prompt w/the wrongest answer.

Wong added, This succeeded only in that it was Super Wrong. I know nobody gets a free pass. Im sorry if this #wtfbd moment tarnished any respect you mayve had for me. & thanks if you advocate for an internet thats safe for everybody.

Throughout his career, Wong has accumulated extensive Broadway and television credits, including M. Butterfly, All-American Girl, The X-Files, Oz, and Sesame Street. He has also actively spoken out against racism and promoted greater representation in the entertainment industry. In August, he publicly called for an Asian actor to replace Andrew Barth Feldman in the Broadway show Maybe Happy Ending, highlighting the need for diversity in casting decisions.

Author: Natalie Monroe