Australian public broadcaster Tom Ballard apologized for a word association game in which he linked Hitler and a wind farm.
Ballard, the host of the Australian Broadcasting Corp’s youth radio station ‘Triple J,’ referred to the Nazi gas chambers suggesting they were “fan-forced ovens.” Ballard initially refused to apologize for the gaffe and posted a comment on Twitter the following day saying, "If you don't like the show, just don't listen."
He also reportedly compared the attempted humor to the work of comedians such as Monty Python, John Cleese, Mel Brooks and Charlie Chaplin.
'Triple J' issued a statement saying, “On Thursday morning’s breakfast show, some comments were made by a Triple J presenter in relation to Hitler that have received a negative reaction.”
“Further to our post yesterday on Facebook, triple j takes all complaints seriously. We recognize the concerns regarding the comments are serious. Triple J agrees the comments made were inappropriate. The matter has been followed up with the Breakfast team. Triple J regrets the matter and apologizes unreservedly for any offence caused,” the statement read.
Ballard himself issued a statement saying, “I’m very sorry that on my breakfast radio program, I offended and upset a lot of people. That’s not what I like doing; I like making people laugh and I like making people happy. I never set out to vindictively offend or belittle anyone or any group with my comedy, that’s not what I’m about. I sincerely apologize that’s how I came across in this instance.”