After his appearance on Regis and Kelly, How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris has apologized to his fans and the transgender population for using the word ‘tranny’ to describe his voice.
A bit on the show had Ripa and Harris try sulfur hexachloride – which, unlike helium, creates a low-pitched voice. Harris said his voice sounded like Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs followed by, “I’ve never sounded more like a tranny in my life.”
The scene was awkward, but it nevertheless garnered several backlashes from GLAAD and other organizations, though some activists like Dan Savage have taken to Harris’ defense while acknowledging the word was “thoughtless.” Savage has previously gotten heat for his use of the word against the transgender community.
Harris apologized for the use of the word, tweeting:
Truly sorry for saying the word ‘tranny’ on Live this week. Twice! Should have been more thoughtful. Didn’t at all mean to offend.
