Thomas Roberts Apologizes For Offensive Cinco De Mayo Segment

Thomas Roberts Apologizes For Offensive Cinco De Mayo Segment

Thomas Roberts apologized for his segment on Cinco de Mayo that drew scrutiny from viewers for its offensive nature.

The segment included Roberts explaining the history behind the holiday while correspondent Louis Burgdorf danced around in a sombrero, chugging tequila and shaking a maraca.

"It was not our intention to be disrespectful," Roberts said on "Way Too Early" Wednesday morning. "We sincerely apologize for those references."

MSNBC issued a separate apology Tuesday that read very similarly to Roberts'.

"It was not our intention to be disrespectful and we sincerely apologize for the ill-advised references," the network said.

Viewers criticized the segment as "racist" and ignorant of the holiday celebrated by millions of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans. Roberts said that anyone who knows him understands his strong support for "diversity and inclusion."

"To those I let down or [who] feel betrayed, I hear you, and I'm sorry," Roberts finished.

Watch the video to see Roberts' apology on "Way Too Early."

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