Tracy Morgan apologizes in Nashville for anti-gay remarks

(CBS/AP) NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Comedian Tracy Morgan returned to Nashville on Tuesday to deliver a personal apology to gay advocacy groups and audience members who were offended by an anti-gay rant during his show there earlier this month.

Morgan met with the gay rights advocates and some attendees of the June 3 show before addressing reporters at the Nashville Convention Center. He did not take questions.

Pictures: Tracy Morgan
Stars denounce Morgan's anti-gay rant

"I don't have a hateful bone in my body," he said. "I don't believe that anyone should be bullied or just made to feel bad about who they are."

Morgan said he apologized "from the bottom of my heart," according to the New York Times, adding: "To err is human, but to forgive is divine. Thank you for forgiving me."

It's the second public apology from the "30 Rock" actor. His first apology came in a statement shortly after an account of the controversial routine caught fire online. In that apology,  he said his comments were "not funny in any context".

On Friday, Morgan met with homeless lesbian and gay youth  in New York. Morgan agreed to the Nashville meeting at the request of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation President Jarrett Barrios.

The former "Saturday Night Live" cast member is known for an outrageous, unpredictable comedy style where few subjects are taboo. He's tackled homosexual themes and characters before with little outcry. But even Morgan admits he went too far during his June 3 show at Ryman Auditorium.

He said during his set that if his son were gay, he would "pull out a knife and stab" him, among other anti-gay statements.

Audience member Kevin Rogers was offended by Morgan's routine and his posting on Facebook brought widespread attention to its content. Morgan spoke with Rogers and others there that day before he addressed reporters.