Fox News pundit apologizes to Canadians

OTTAWA, March 23 (UPI) -- A Fox News Channel pundit apologized to Canada Monday, saying he didn't mean to demean Canadian soldiers as weak and effeminate.

Greg Gutfeld, who is host of a Fox segment called "Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld," sent out an e-mail apologizing for his March 17 segment. He said the 5-minute spot "was in no way an attempt to make light of troop efforts."

"However, I realize that my words may have been misunderstood," Gutfeld wrote. "It was not my intent to disrespect the brave men, women and families of the Canadian military, and for that I apologize. Red Eye is a satirical take on the news, in which all topics are addressed in a lighthearted, humorous and ridiculous manner."

Gutfeld drew Canada's ire by making light of a Canadian general's remark that his troops would need a year off after their combat role in Afghanistan ends in 2011. Gutfeld reported the plan with a sneer, a video of the program shows.

"The Canadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white capri pants," Gutfeld said.

Co-panelist Doug Benson made this comment about the military: "I didn't even know they were in the war," he said. "I thought that's where you go if you don't want to fight -- you go chill in Canada."

Conservative Ottawa commentator Geoff Norquay called it "insulting and beneath contempt." the Sun report said.

The episode first aired before four Canadians were killed in Afghanistan Friday. Canada has lost 116 soldiers since the NATO mission began in 2002.