Conan apologizes to Quebec (sort of)
Last Updated: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 | 12:52 PM ET
CBC News
In his opening monologue, O'Brien appeared on stage with a French translator. English subtitles translated what the French translator said.
"People of Quebec, I'm sorry," he said in English. It was translated into French as: "People of Quebec, I'm an albino jackass."
"We meant no harm with our comedy piece the other night" was translated as: "The other night, I wet the bed like a little girl."
Conan O'Brien (CP file photo)
O'Brien: "I was a stranger in a strange land and I was very insensitive." Translator (in French): "I have a small penis.
"Quebec, your lively and rich culture is a treasure to Canada, and your unique heritage deserves only praise, not ridicule," said O'Brien.
Translator: (in French) "I have never known the touch of a woman and I never will."
O'Brien: "Again, please accept my heartfelt apologies." Translator (in French) : "Did I mention I have a small penis?"
- FROM FEB. 13, 2003: CHUM apologizes for Conan's Quebec sketch
During a taping of one of his shows in Toronto last week, a puppet called Triumph the Insult Comic Dog insulted people in Quebec City, calling francophones "obnoxious and dull" and urging them to learn English.
Peter Soumalias, the Canadian organizer of O'Brien's Canadian tapings, said he urged the show to go ahead with the sketch, despite concern from some of the show's writers.
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