Anchor says word was a blur, not a slur

By C.J., Star Tribune

Last update: May 1, 2008 - 9:28 PM

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WCCO-TV morning show anchor Bill Hudson apologized Thursday about stumbling over the word "neighborhood" and instead saying the N-word.

Hudson was reading a story Wednesday about "the Powderhorn Park neighborhood in Minneapolis. I learned later that what came out of my mouth sounded to some people like a word they and I find most offensive; a word I would never, ever use. I want to apologize to anyone who was offended by my stumble," Hudson said on Thursday's show. The clip was also posted on wcco.com.

Scott Libin, WCCO-TV's news director, said, "If you think about the word neighborhood, three out of the four first letters are unfortunately shared with that word I will not repeat. You know what, human beings occasionally stumble on their words."

Libin said there's been little public reaction to Hudson's slip, and there will be no disciplinary action.

Hudson could not be reached for comment, but his co-anchor, Angela Davis, said: "I know how horrible he feels. He's one of kindest, most respected people in the newsroom. ... People will walk away with a misunderstanding about who he is."