Watch CBS News

State Senator Yee Calls For An Apology From Rush Limbaugh

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - State Senator Leland Yee of San Francisco is calling on conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh to apologize for mocking Chinese President Hu Jintao's speech Wednesday.

Yee said that on Limbaugh's show, the host complained about a Fox News broadcast that omitted translation of Hu's words, and then mocked them with gibberish meant to simulate Chinese speech.

"It just reminds me of when I was a little boy growing up here in San Francisco when people would make fun of our language, the Chinese language," said Yee. "I think over the years we've become a lot more educated about the diversity of languages around the world, and being caring and respectful of these diversities."

Yee chairs the state Senate Select Committee on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs, and said Limbaugh owes the Chinese community an apology for his racist comments. He said that amid calls for civility, the tone of the comments is ignorant and embarrassing for the U.S. Yee is urging audiences to contact Limbaugh's show and complain.

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee attended a state dinner Wednesday at the White House at which Hu, President Obama and the first lady were present.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.