Actor apologises to Jennifer
2008-03-18 12:20
Los Angeles - Actor Gary Busey has apologised for his misguided attempt to get attention by embracing Jennifer Garner at last month's Oscars.
During a live E! pre-show broadcast, Busey repeatedly interrupted while Ryan Seacrest was interviewing Laura Linney and Garner.
At one point, Busey embraced Garner, who looked annoyed.
"I meant no disrespect to Ms Jennifer Garner when I met her at the Oscars and apologise if I made her uncomfortable," the 63-year-old actor said in a statement e-mailed on Monday by a publicist for his attorney, Vicki Roberts.
By the time he realised the actresses were in the middle of an interview Busey said he tried to step back but "suddenly Ryan introduced her to me".
"I simply greeted both actresses with joy and open arms, which is the way I would greet anyone I'm happy to meet," Busey said.
"Everyone has experienced a handshake or hug which has turned awkward, and this was no different."
Busey has parodied his eccentric reputation on the HBO comedy Entourage.
Calls on Monday to Garner's publicist Leslie Sloane-Zelnik were not immediately returned.
- AP