Dennis Rodman is apologizing to the family of Kenneth Bae for what many perceived to be insensitive remarks implying that Bae had done something wrong, reports Fox.
The Korean American and Christian missionary from Washington State has been held prisoner in North Korea since November 2012 for “crimes against the state” that have never been specified.
“I want to first apologize to Kenneth Bae’s family. I want to apologize to my teammates and my management team. I embarrassed a lot of people. I’m very sorry. At this point I should know better than to make political statements. I’m truly sorry.”
Rodman is in North Korea on his third visit and boasts a good relationship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-on.
Responding to persistent questioning from CNN’s Chris Cuomo about whether he could do anything to help free Kenneth Bae, Rodman said “”If you understand what Kenneth Bae did. Do you understand what he did in this country? No, no, no, you tell me, you tell me. Why is he held captive here in this country, why? … I would love to speak on this.”
Bae’s sister, Terri Chung, reacted angrily to Rodman’s comments telling Fox “I respect that he doesn’t want to help and that’s his choice, but you know, if he’s not going to help please don’t get in the way and make harmful comments when clearly he doesn’t have any idea what’s going on.”
You can read more of Chung’s statement and about the State Department’s reaction to all this on Fox.