New York, NY, July 11, 1995...The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed a letter from R.E. (Ted) Turner apologizing for comments he made about the Holocaust to a group of television critics on July 8.

"I have long been a strong advocate and promoter of human rights and equality around the world," wrote Turner, the Chairman of the Board of Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), Inc., to Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "I respect the heritage of all people. I now realize that my remarks regarding the Holocaust trivialized the tragedy perpetrated on the Jewish people. I apologize for any pain and offense which my statements caused," Turner said.

"We welcome Ted Turner's prompt apology," said Foxman. "His letter puts this matter behind us; it shows he understands the inappropriateness of his comments, and that his words were insensitive."

Last week Turner, in referring to how his inability to purchase a broadcast network made him a "down-and-outer" in the TV industry, had alluded to a TBS documentary on the Holocaust, saying, "I feel like the Jewish people in Germany in 1942. I know exactly what it is to be rounded up and sent to the East somewhere. Resettled."

Foxman called his statements, "at best, uninformed. At worst," said the ADL leader, "it's offensive and insensitive to trivialize the suffering of millions of people."

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.