Apology from Regis Philbin to Nicki Minaj

This petition is to implore and demand a direct apology from Regis Philbin and the staff at Live! With Regis and Kelly in regards to the sexual misconduct and disrespect that occurred during their broadcast on November 29, 2010, their first taped show from Las Vegas this week. The show featured a performance from rapper Nicki Minaj and during the interview portion of her segment, Regis commented on her outfit, reached around the back of her dress, and slapped Nicki's rear end. Kelly Ripa, the shows co-host, visibly shocked and surprised asked Regis what he was doing, which received no direct response from Regis. Subsequently, Regis asked Nicki what advice her mentor Lil' Wayne had given her, to which she responded, "Lil Wayne told me to always go hard." To which Regis responded, "Like I could ever do that," jokingly, yet drawing the same shocked look from Kelly.

We feel that this blatant lack of respect and harassment is unwarranted, uncalled for, and demeaning not only to Nicki Minaj, but also to Live!'s diverse in-studio and at-home audience. Displays of this nature are highly disrespectful and also allude to an attitude of racism and sexism that unfortunately we still face in this country on a wide scale. However, that does not excuse this man of taking responsibility for his actions.

We are demanding that by the end of this week's Las Vegas tapings or by Monday of next week (December 6, 2010) that Regis and the Live! staff make a public verbal or written apology to Nicki Minaj and their viewers for his lack of discretion and self-control. We demand that the apology either appear on the air during a taping of the show, or through any internet medium (ie. Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc.)