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It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt—or threatened with bodily harm. Stephen Hanks, the 47-year-old who said some nasty things to Bristol Palin regarding her momma (an exchange that was, of course, caught on film), has now apologized. Though he originally said he'd gladly do it again, Hanks has backtracked after threats were made against him, his family, and his dog, explains Hanks' lawyer. In a statement released to E! News, Hanks says, "I have come to the conclusion that no matter what my feelings are towards Sarah Palin, I should not have expressed them towards her daughter, Bristol Palin."
He continues: "My political views are solely mine, and not those of my friends, colleagues, or the establishment for which I work. I apologize to them for my poor judgment that night, and to Bristol for any hurt my actions may have caused her. I wish Bristol success with her television show, and much happiness in the future." As for that TV show? In the statement, Hanks also notes that the exchange wasn't staged, and that he didn't even realize it was being filmed. (E! calls BS on that, considering a camera crew was with her the whole time she was in the bar.) Click to watch to controversial scene.
