Anderson Cooper has apologized for poking fun at a Catholic holiday celebrated in Poland, on Wednesday's edition of his CNN show 'Ac360' (April 11, 2012). During his 'RidicuList' segment, Cooper noted the annual Dyngus Day celebrations held in the country to mark the end of lent.
The segment referred to a tradition in which boys sprinkle water on girls they like, with the women "striking back with a tap from a pussy willow branch". The line sent Cooper into a giggling frenzy and he was unable to regain his composure, saying, "This is so stupid". His behaviour led to the Kosciuszko Foundation - which promotes cultural ties between the United States and Poland - slamming Cooper for his "stupid" comment, saying, "Would Anderson Cooper dare make fun of the Islamic holiday Id al-Fitr, in which Muslims spend three days celebrating their month-long fast?", reports the New York Daily News. The statement led Cooper to issue an apology, saying, "I am concerned to hear that some people believe that I called Dyngus Day celebrations 'stupid' or in any way criticized this holiday. I did not. While in the midst of a silly giggle fit I said 'this is so stupid' in reference to my inability to stop laughing". He continued, "I was not saying Dyngus Day was 'so stupid.' I apologize to anyone who got the impression that I was being critical of Dyngus Day. I am genuinely sorry if I offended anyone by the lighthearted tone of the 'RidicuList".