Ted Danson Expresses Lifelong Regret Over 1993 Blackface Roast of Whoopi Goldberg

Ted Danson has publicly apologized for performing in blackface and making racially charged jokes at a 1993 Friars Club roast of Whoopi Goldberg, with whom he was then romantically involved. Speaking on W. Kamau Bell's podcast "Who's With Me?," Danson expressed deep regret, saying he will "apologize for the rest of my life" for the incident, which drew criticism from attendees including New York City's first Black mayor, David N. Dinkins, Variety reported. Deadline noted that Danson called his actions "arrogant and stupid," explaining he thought he was being edgy with a satirical joke about their interracial relationship, and expressed regret that Goldberg has had to defend him over the years.