Tracy Morgan to return to Nashville to apologise

Tracy Morgan is to return to Nashville to publicly apologise for making anti-gay remarks.

The 30 Rock actor caused controversy last week after making a series of seemingly homophobic comments during a live comedy show.

He has since issued an unqualified apology in co-ordination with Gays & Lesbians Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and announced plans to speak with LGBT teenagers about anti-gay bullying in New York City later this week.

Morgan has also promised to return to Nashville to offer his regrets to audience members who were offended by his on-stage rant, according to a statement posted by GLAAD.

The comic's return to Nashville is to be held in co-operation with both GLAAD and the Tennessee Equality Project, an advocacy organisation seeking to block state legislation that will ban teachers and other educators from acknowledging homosexuality in the classroom.

Morgan admitted yesterday to interviewer Russell Simmons that he considers homophobia to be a "sickness" and was sorry to have engaged in any form of bullying, adding: "My heart is committed to giving everyone the same rights that I deserve for myself. I don't care if you love the same sex as long as you have the ability to love someone."

Fellow 30 Rock stars Tina Fey and Cheyenne Jackson as well as George Takei and Nia Vardalos have all condemned the actor for attacking the gay community, while Chris Rock has seemingly backtracked after initially supporting the comedian.