Geraldo Rivera Trayvon Martin Parents Interview: Fox News Host Asks Tracy Martin, Sybrina Fulton To 'Accept My Condolences'

In an interview on Sunday night with Trayvon Martin's parents, Geraldo Rivera looked to make amends for his controversial comments surrounding the death of their son.

Rivera held a six-minute interview with Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton on "Geraldo At Large," offering sympathy from the start. He opened the interview by thanking them for coming on the show and "please -- this is the first time I've spoken to you -- accept my condolences for your awful loss."

In unison, Martin's parents responded with a "thank you."

Earlier on Sunday afternoon, Rivera tweeted about the appearance by Martin's parents:

@GeraldoRivera
Geraldo Rivera

Trayvon Martin's parents are coming on my show tonight live on FNC @10pm ET- I'm going to apologize for guilty hoodie stuff

April 1, 2012 4:42 pm via Twitter for BlackBerry® Reply Retweet Favorite

He held to his word, elaborating on what he meant by those comments.

"What I was trying to do was caution parents that allowing kids to wear hoodies or similar clothing in certain circumstances, particularly if they were minority young men, could be dangerous," Rivera explained. "But I never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings and certainly Sybrina and Tracy, I never intended to hurt your feelings. I want to personally convey my deepest apologies to both of you. I am sorry, Tracy, if anything I said added to your misery.”

Tracy Martin added his own thoughts on that part of Rivera's apology, thanking him for his words.

“Your apology is accepted," Martin said. "Let me just add one thing with the wearing of the hoodie. I don’t think America knows that, in fact, at the time of the incident when he initially made the call, it was raining. So Trayvon had every right to have on his hood. He was protecting himself from the rain. So if being suspicious, walking in the rain with your hoodie on is a crime, then I guess the world is doing something wrong.”

On Friday, March 23, Rivera sparked outrage over his comments on Fox News' "Fox & Friends" regarding Martin's clothing. He said that "the hoodie is as much responsible" for the teen's death as George Zimmerman was.

Three days later, Rivera faced petitions demanding an apology to Martin's parents. In lieu of responding directly to the family, he tweeted:

@GeraldoRivera
Geraldo Rivera

Heard petition demands my apology to Trayvon's parents. Save effort: I deeply apologize for any hurt I caused-that is not my goal or intent

March 27, 2012 3:09 am via Twitter for BlackBerry® Reply Retweet Favorite

Loading Slideshow

• Barack Obama

  "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon," <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/obama-trayvon-martin_n_1375083.html" target="_hplink">President Obama said</a>. "I think [Trayvon's parents] are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and we are going to get to the bottom of exactly what happened."

• Newt Gingrich

  Newt Gingrich <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/newt-gingrich-trayvon-martin_n_1375246.html?1332517208" target="_hplink">told Piers Morgan</a> that the Trayvon Martin case was tragic, and that he didn't believe the shooting would be covered by Florida's Stand Your Ground law. "I think Americans can recognize that while this is a tragedy -- and it is a tragedy -- that we're going to relentlessly seek justice, and I think that's the right thing to do," Gingrich said. Asked about the <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jGvt4B1k3oYa22McRcMZW59i8b0w?docId=c220cf9300364978aaf2b5e9ed3ca1b4" target="_hplink">Stand Your Ground</a> law, he said, "The young man apparently was not following the person who's being investigated. Apparently, the shooter was following the young man. That's not a stand your own ground, that's a chase the other person into their ground. And I think you're going to find the law, as interpreted normally, doesn't apply to this case."

• Allen West

  Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) condemned the killing of Trayvon Martin, but cautioned against making the case a racial issue. Below, his full statement <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/allen-west-trayvon-martin_n_1373919.html" target="_hplink">as posted on Facebook</a>: <blockquote>I have sat back and allowed myself time to assess the current episode revealing itself in Sanford, Florida involving the shooting of 17-year-old Treyvon Martin. First of all, if all that has been reported is accurate, the Sanford Police Chief should be relieved of his duties due to what appears to be a mishandling of this shooting in its early stages. The US Navy SEALS identified Osama Bin Laden within hours, while this young man laid on a morgue slab for three days. The shooter, Mr Zimmerman, should have been held in custody and certainly should not be walking free, still having a concealed weapons carry permit. From my reading, it seems this young man was pursued and there was no probable cause to engage him, certainly not pursue and shoot him....against the direction of the 911 responder. Let's all be appalled at this instance not because of race, but because a young American man has lost his life, seemingly, for no reason. I have signed a letter supporting a DOJ investigation. I am not heading to Sanford to shout and scream, because we need the responsible entities and agencies to handle this situation from this point without media bias or undue political influences. This is an outrage.</blockquote>

• Mitt Romney

  "What happened to Trayvon Martin is a tragedy. There needs to be a thorough investigation that reassures the public that justice is carried out with impartiality and integrity," <a href="http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/23/republican-hopefuls-react-to-trayvon-martin-killing/" target="_hplink">Mitt Romney said</a> in a statement.

• Rick Santorum

  Rick Santorum said the shooting was "horrible" and a "chilling example of the horrible decisions made by people in this process." "Stand Your Ground is not doing what this man did," <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20120323/us-santorum-neighborhood-watch/" target="_hplink">Santorum said</a>, adding that he believes the Justice Department should leave the matter to local and state authorities.

• Rick Scott

  Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/22/trayvon-martin-state-attorney_n_1374206.html" target="_hplink">said</a> a state task force would review Florida's Stand Your Ground law and recommend changes "so that we might help avoid such tragedies in the future."

• Frederica Wilson

  Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) denounced shooter George Zimmerman as "a renegade wannabe policeman neighborhood watchman." "Mr. Speaker, I am tired of burying young black boys," Wilson said <a href="http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2012/03/frederica_wilson_trayvon_martin.php" target="_hplink">during a speech</a> on the House floor. "I am tired of watching them suffer at the hands of those who fear them and despise them. I am tired of comforting mothers, fathers, grandparents, sisters and brothers after such unnecessary, heinous crimes of violence."

• Condoleezza Rice

  "Well, first of all, it's a great tragedy," Condoleezza Rice <a href="http://video.msnbc.msn.com/mitchell-reports/46810837/#46810837" target="_hplink">told Andrea Mitchell</a>. "This young man has been deprived of life and that's an enormous tragedy. And we all should have prayers and for his family and for those who are left behind. So it's a great tragedy. That's the first thing to say. Secondly, I've always said that obviously, we are not a race blind society. We aspire to be one, we work toward it, we've gotten better, but we are not yet. But I'm not going to comment on the legal aspects of this case because as I understand it, the Justice Department is looking into it, local authorities are looking into it, and I certainly hope that justice will be done here and due process accorded. But I'm not going to comment on the legal aspects of this. I'm not competent to do so."

• Mitch McConnell

  Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) <a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/on-congress/2012/03/mcconnell-trayvon-martin-shooting-incredible-tragedy-118450.html" target="_hplink">called the shooting</a> an "incredible tragedy," but declined to comment on the "Stand Your Ground" law. "It is an incredible tragedy of huge proportions," he said. "I'm glad it's being investigated and we'll take a look at it as the investigation moves along."

• Harry Reid

  "The killing of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy, and nothing will bring him back," Senate Majority Harry Reid (D-Nev.) wrote in a statement. "But there remain unanswered questions surrounding his death, and I applaud Attorney General Eric Holder for opening an investigation. Trayvon and his family deserve nothing less, and my thoughts are with them in this unimaginably difficult time. Any single incident where an unarmed civilian is gunned down is one too many, but sadly, similar incidents have occurred in other states, including in Nevada. I trust the Justice Department and law enforcement at all levels will provide the justice that Trayvon's loved ones and our country deserve."

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Comments

[BillForObama]

02:18 PM on 04/08/2012

Rivera should have been offering his condolences instead of the statement the he made. Theres is no excuse for that.

Trayvon's parents don't have to accept Rivera's apology.

[MisaBaby]

05:38 AM on 04/07/2012

Geraldo is an ego-centric, self-serving moron who displays a complete lack of intelligence. It truly shocks me that his name is still even *somewhat* synonymous with journalism.

Allow me to tell you why:

- He reported the secret location of US troops by drawing a map in the sand on live television (to which our Army dropped him at the Kuwait border and banned him from Iraq).

- He pushed another man in order to take his place so that HE could be seen on camera carrying a woman in a wheelchair down a flight of stairs (as recounted by witnesses and I believe film).

... Sadly I've given his excuse of a show the time of day 2-3 times (*head hung in shame* I'm admitting very occasional Fox-watching), and each time was worse than the last. He and his brother use stalker-like tactics to chase people down (example: Casey Anthony's ex-boyfriend was cooperating with police but not speaking to media as that news story was breaking ... Geraldo's brother followed him numerous places, even restaurant BATHROOM stall. It was disgusting.). News, journalism ... not words that make me think "Geraldo."

This man cares about himself, hearing himself talk, and seeing his ridiculously unfortunate mustache on camera. Oh, and ratings. I wouldn't stake one dollar that he's sorry for what he said; I would stake my bank account on the fact that he's an idiot.

Anyone else?

[richie37]

10:57 PM on 04/04/2012

why do people think they need to say sorry over and over again , jezz you said it once all ready leave it like that

[Aubie01]

08:36 PM on 04/04/2012

One step forward. Four GIANT steps back.

[gloryoflove]

08:27 PM on 04/04/2012

Though I don't agree with Geraldo's comment, I understand that he was not condoning GZ action or the fact that Trayvon was stalked by him. I don't think it was well thought out but I also don't think he was trying to blame the victim. The parents excepted the apology. Shouldn't that count for something?

[ReddKatt]

04:07 PM on 04/04/2012

If you haven't figured it out the latest ratings ploy in the media is to say something outlandish and controversial, create an outrage among your viewers and online...THEN apologize. You get triple the ratings that way. NBC did the same thing with the edited audio of the 911 call. They edited created a stir among the right wingers, then apologized. The number one goal of anyting that comes on tv is to keep you watching. Like Saturday morning cartoons...STAY TUNED

[gneep]

01:04 PM on 04/04/2012

Heraldo,l make sure brain is engaged BEFORE putting mouth in gear!

[Ben Wilson]

12:17 PM on 04/04/2012

I think he means it. Rivera is normally pretty sane and fair for someone on Fox and he doesn't have that casual contempt for human life that the average Fox pundit has.

[robert deen]

01:18 PM on 04/04/2012

It's obvious, you don't care much for Fox, but you are wise enough to get both sides of the story - thanks.

[laffFUwant]

08:11 PM on 04/04/2012

He is also very long suffering, considering the resentment some of his coworkers have about Hispanics.

[Ben Wilson]

04:52 AM on 04/05/2012

My thoughts too, got that infamous fight with O Reilly in my head over the illegal immigrant dangerous driving story, he's much more Colmes than Hannity!

[Mary Ruedlinger]

10:38 AM on 04/04/2012

idiot!!

[Steve Reaves]

08:19 AM on 04/04/2012

Geraldo works for FOX. We know exactly what he meant. Apology not accepted.

[nietowill57]

01:00 PM on 04/04/2012

It's unfortunate, but I agree. He knows who butters his bread and I'm sure he got a big bone for it. "Apology not accepted"

[nikky]

04:22 PM on 04/04/2012

i so agree

[Jennfizzer]

04:46 PM on 04/04/2012

I say poop on him!

[ladylestat]

06:30 AM on 04/04/2012

Geraldo is just trying to get himself out of hot water with this phony apology. The fact is, he meant what he said, but unfortunately he wasn't expecting the backlash he would receive behind it. The thing is "America" a free country. People always want to use that same argument when it comes to "Freedom of Speech." However, since we know this is "America" a person is entitled to wear whatever they like. whenever they like, and no one has the right to judge, bother, or harrass you for it.

People keep saying this isn't about race or color, and that Zimmerman was only protecting his neighborhood. If that's true why do the same people keep emphasizing that this boy was "black" that's why the assumption about him was made, or as Geraldo put it nicely by saying "minorities." It's the same thing. Let's have some truth, either Trayvon was killed because of the hoodie itself, or it's because he was a black boy wearing a hoodie. I'm afraid you can't have it both ways. Either it was about his article of clothing, his race, or it was about a man protecting his neighborhood. I think most people clearly know the answer to that. However, I wish these people would just pick one stance and stick to it because all this wishy washy mess is for the birds.

[robert deen]

01:23 PM on 04/04/2012

It's only black racebaters who keep pushing the race card - does anyone think Zimmerman would Not have shot a white attacker.

[lookingforchange]

04:11 PM on 04/04/2012

No I don't. I don't think there would have been a 911 call and Zimmerman would not have followed nor do I think he would have confronted a white teenager. So call me racebater if you wish but please answer this...why refer to a "attacker"? Are you itimating Zimmerman was attacked instead of Trayvon defending himself?

[lookingforchange]

04:37 PM on 04/04/2012

NO. First of all If Trayvon got a few licks in defending himself that does not make him an attacker. Zimmerman would not have called 911, he would not have followed nor would he have confronted a white teenager. So call me racebater if you like but burying your head in the sand and refusing to believe that race plays often plays a factor in many situations is not a solution! I don't want racism to exsist but after 50+ years I still see it rear it's ugly head.

[Jahnjeri]

09:57 PM on 04/03/2012

I am surprised to hear soo many say that wearing a hoodie as a black person was never viewed as suspicious. I must be living in a different world. The bottom line here is when you are "Black" may you be a male or female you are viewed differently by some. It's a fact of life and you have to prepare your children for this and pray.

[meanlady21]

07:47 PM on 04/03/2012

he should take his offerings and shove them up his@#!%.

[TRCWILLIE]

06:36 PM on 04/03/2012

I second that emotion Chocolatebeets!! Enough said.

[chocolatebeets]

05:02 PM on 04/03/2012

Typical celebrity non-apology: Geraldo's sorry if his remark unintentionally hurt anyone's feelings. How about being sorry that you said something so idiotic? How about saying flat-out that Trayvon is NOT responsible for his own death by having worn a hoodie? No, that would require integrity on Geraldo's part.

[alexa chase]

08:05 AM on 04/04/2012

Yea, it reminds me of spike lee's half assed apology to the old couple he HAD to apologize to for tweeting their address as a mistake when he meant to tweet Zimmerman's address so people could go and hurt or kill the guy.