Ted Danson Says He’ll Keep Apologizing for Controversial 1993 Whoopi Goldberg Roast

Ted Danson has again apologized for his controversial performance at Whoopi Goldberg’s 1993 Friars Club roast, where he appeared in blackface and used racial slurs during a comedy routine.

Speaking on W. Kamau Bell’s podcast Who’s with Me, the Cheers star said he feels responsible for the hurt caused and believes he should keep apologizing. Danson said he thought the act was a satire about race and interracial relationships and did not expect it to be seen by a wide audience.

He explained that he spent months preparing the roast and even discussed it with Goldberg beforehand. However, he realized almost immediately during the performance that many people were offended.

The roast sparked major backlash at the time. Talk show host Montel Williams reportedly walked off the stage, while then-New York Mayor David Dinkins criticized the act. The Friars Club later issued a public apology.

Despite the controversy, Goldberg defended Danson after the event. Danson now says the performance was a serious mistake and remains one of his biggest regrets.