Andy Dick at the premiere of 'Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny' held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Hollywood, California - 09.11.06

The funnyman jumped onstage during a routine by IAN BAGG at Los Angeles' Improv and used the defamatory word in an attempt to joke about MICHAEL RICHARDS, who hit the headlines last month (NOV06) for a racist attack on hecklers during his show at the Laugh Factory.

But the gag didn't go down very well, leading to a backlash from Improv guests who were less than amused with Dick's remark.

Dick, 40, released a statement to the Los Angeles Times newspaper yesterday (06DEC06), explaining, "I chose to make a joke about a subject that is not funny.

"In an attempt to make light of a serious subject, I have offended a lot of people, and I am sorry for my insensitivity. I wish to apologise to Ian, to the club and its patrons and to anyone who was hurt or offended by my remark."

Source: WENN