WDJQ's Mo Apologizes For On-Air Remarks About Girl With Down Syndrome

He's Sorry

DA PETERSON Top 40 WDJQ (Q92)/CANTON afternooner MO has finally issued an apology in the wake of the negative response to his mocking KELLIE BAKER on the air. BAKER turned out to have Down Syndrome.

The station quickly issued an apology earlier this week (NET NEWS 1/20), when its attorney, AMANDA M. PAAR, issued a statement saying, "Q92 and 'The MO Show' would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm its support of efforts to raise awareness regarding the challenges faced by those with developmental disabilities. Specifically, the station wishes to sincerely apologize again for any actions or comments that could be construed as making light of the challenges faced by persons that are developmentally disabled or casting those persons in any humorous light. The station's policy is to treat our callers and listeners with the utmost respect, professionalism, and sensitivity."

But it wasn't until now that MO addressed the issue in his own voice. In audio posted on Q92's website, MO said, "At the time, I thought it was a prank call and I played along with it. After the call had aired, it was brought to my attention that the woman has Down Syndrome. Before the call, I had no idea. I do receive prank calls during my show."

He went on to explain that the station had apologized, and he had also done so via FACEBOOK to the family of the girl.

"At this time, I would like to apologize myself. I would like to apologize to the woman who called, her family, her friends and everyone else who has been outraged by what transpired last MONDAY. I am truly sorry. At the time of the call, I honestly believed it was a prank. However, that doesn't excuse what happened -- or what I did."

MO plans to meet "face to face" with KELLY and her family.

He explained in the apology that he would "take a suspension and would be off the air."

Listen to MO's full statement here.

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