(CNN) – MSNBC host Martin Bashir said in a statement Wednesday that he would resign from the network following comments he made about former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
Bashir apologized on-air last month after suggesting that Palin deserved graphic punishment for comparing U.S. foreign debt to slavery. Palin later canceled an appearance on NBC’s “Today.”
Following intense backlash for the incendiary comments, Bashir elected to temporarily take additional time off during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Upon further reflection, and after meeting with the President of msnbc, I have tendered my resignation. It is my sincere hope that all of my colleagues, at this special network, will be allowed to focus on the issues that matter without the distraction of myself or my ill-judged comments,” he said in the statement.
“I deeply regret what was said, will endeavor to work hard at making constructive contributions in the future and will always have a deep appreciation for our viewers – who are the smartest, most compassionate and discerning of all television audiences. I would also wish to express deepest gratitude to my immediate colleagues, and our contributors, all of whom have given so much of themselves to our broadcast.”
The president of MSNBC, Phil Griffin, also issued a statement confirming that Bashir would step down and wishing him the best.
“Martin Bashir resigned today, effective immediately. I understand his decision and I thank him for three great years with msnbc. Martin is a good man and respected colleague – we wish him only the best.”
Palin responded to Bashir’s initial comments last month.
“Everybody in life takes shots,” she said “Fox News Sunday.” “I don’t have to accept his words – his vile, evil comments. So they don’t have to affect me. I move on and I charge forth.”
Also last month, the network discontinued former host Alec Baldwin’s show “Up Late” after he reportedly yelled anti-gay slurs at a photographer outside his home in New York. Baldwin later apologized for the angry rant in a post to MSNBC’s website.
After his show was canceled, Baldwin called on the network to also force Bashir to leave, pointing to his controversial comments.
“Martin Bashir’s on the air, and he made his comment on the air!” Baldwin told Gothamist last week.
Bashir’s resignation was first reported by Mediaite.
CNN’s Dana Davidsen contributed to this report.