Academy apologizes for Asian jokes at the Oscars, George Takei calls statement 'shocking'

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has apologized for the offensive Asian jokes at this year's Oscars following widespread criticism.

In a statement, the Academy said it “regrets that any aspect of the Oscar telecast was offensive" and that it is committed to ensuring material at future shows be more culturally sensitive, according to The Guardian.

This was in response to a recent open letter to the Academy, where many prominent members of the Asian community called out the hypocrisy of the Oscars touting diversity while simultaneously mocking Asians, as we previously reported. The letter explained that this year's ceremony was "marred by a tone-deaf approach to its portrayal of Asians."

Star Trek actor George Takei told The Hollywood Reporter that the awards show was a "shameful presentation."

But many, including Takei, are finding the Academy's response to the controversy patronizing and not nearly specific enough.

"It was a bland, corporate response,” Takei told The New York Times. "The obliviousness was actually shocking. Doesn’t anyone over there have any sense?"

According to Deadline, no one who signed the letter to the Academy was invited to a meeting to discuss the issue, contributing to the feeling that the board is not taking them and their concerns seriously.