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Univision host Rodner Figueroa issued an open letter to apologize for his offensive comment about Michelle Obama. The Emmy-winning talk show host was sacked after suggesting during a live segment on "El Gordo Y La Flaca" that the First Lady looked like a cast from the movie "Planet of the Apes".

In his open letter, Figuero claimed his comment was "misinterpreted." He said, "I want to clarify that I am not a racist, and in no way was my commentary directed at you, but rather the rendition of such artist, which left much to be desired. The whole clip of the video proves this with proper context."

"I feel ashamed; I ask you for forgiveness, because there is no excuse for a professional such as myself to make comments that could be interpreted as offensive and racist in a moment where our country is living through such volatile times," he added. "I take responsibility for the lack of judgment on my behalf, but I can't accept to be classified as a racist by anyone or to be fired for being such - humiliated publicly by Univision after 17 years in this company."

"I come from a bi-racial Latino family, with relatives, such as my father, of the Afro-Latino race. I'm the first openly gay news personality in Hispanic TV, and I've been an activist of causes that favor minorities, that like me, have been discriminated against. I voted openly for your husband, Barack Obama, twice, because I think he's a great man who respects minorities such as myself in this country."

He continued, "I was verbally notified that because of a complaint coming from your office I was fired, and because of leaked information by Univision executives, I was condemned in social media, trying to destroy my career in an unjust manner, without even giving me an official written notification and without an investigation that could perhaps clear the situation."

Rodner Figueroa made the racially-insensitive remark during the discussion of makeup artist Paolo Ballesteros' viral transformations into female celebrities which included Michelle Obama. "What are you saying?" responded co-host Lili Estefan. Instead of attempting to clarify his comment, he insisted, "But it is true."

"Yesterday during the entertainment show 'El Gordo y La Flaca', Rodner Figueroa made comments about First Lady Michelle Obama that were completely reprehensible and in no way reflect the values or opinions of Univision," Univision said. "As a result, Mr. Figueroa was fired immediately."