FILE - This Jan. 22, 2013 file photo shows Martin Bashir at the EA SimCity Learn. Build. Create. Inauguration After-Party, in Washington. The MSNBC host Bashir resigned from the network Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013, nearly three weeks after making graphic remarks on the air about former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. (Photo by Nick Wass/Invision/AP, File)
December 04, 2013 - 12:51 PM
NEW YORK, N.Y. - MSNBC host Martin Bashir resigned from the network Wednesday, nearly three weeks after making graphic remarks on the air about former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
In an email, Bashir expressed hope that the network could move beyond the distraction of what he called "my ill-judged comments."
Last month, Bashir had suggested that someone defecate in Palin's mouth because of a statement she made comparing the United States' indebtedness to China with slavery.
He apologized days later. But controversy continued to rage.
Bashir's exit after three years at MSNBC leaves a hole in the network's afternoon schedule.
His remarks, and subsequent departure, have coincided with MSNBC's firing of Alec Baldwin from his weekly talk show after two weeks for using an anti-gay slur in a New York City street encounter.
News from © The Associated Press, 2013