The Radio Network has suspended comedian David Fane for the rest of the week following racist and homophobic comments he made at a media event last week.
Fane, who hosts a breakfast show on radio station Flava and was a creator of the animated TV show bro'Town, told an audience at the inaugural Radio Roast that "Hitler had a right", HIV sufferers deserved to be "roasted", and "Jews were expendable".
The Radio Network also said Fane would send written apologies to the New Zealand Jewish Council and the New Zealand Aids Foundation, apologising for offence he had caused.
Radio Network chief executive John McElhinney said it did not condone the remarks, saying they were inappropriate even in the context of a "roast".
"David has met with us today and he profoundly regrets his remarks and unreservedly apologises for the offence they will have caused," Mr McElhinney said.
"There are lessons to be learned from this."
Fane apologised on TV3 last night, saying his comments were "dumb".
"I really am so very sorry for any offence I've caused you," he said.
"They were dumb words, said by a dumb man."
Fane is also known for his film and TV roles including Outrageous Fortune, Sione's Wedding and Radiradirah.
TV Works spokeswoman Nicole Wood said TV3 would continue to air Radiradirah as scheduled, and would not be taking any action in regards to Fane's comments.
"He's an independent comedian and actor. He's not employed by TV3, so it's really nothing to do with us."
