In a recent incident that has sparked widespread controversy, Tony Massarotti, a prominent sports radio host on 98.5 The Sports Hub, has come under fire for using a racial slur during his show. The incident has raised questions about sensitivity and awareness in the media, particularly in the context of racial discourse.
The incident occurred during the Wednesday episode of Felger & Mazz, a popular sports talk show hosted by Massarotti and Michael Felger. According to reports, Massarotti used the term 'zipperhead' while discussing a conversation he had with producer Tyler Milliken. The term is a derogatory slur that has been historically used against people of Asian descent.
Massarotti's use of the term was met with immediate backlash. Many in the community and beyond expressed outrage over his lack of awareness regarding the slur's derogatory connotation. The Committee of 100, which promotes issues impacting the Chinese-American community, lists 'zipperhead' as a condescending term used to describe individuals of Asian descent, grouping them as weak and dangerous simultaneously.
In response to the backlash, Massarotti issued an on-air apology during Thursday's episode of Felger & Mazz. He acknowledged that he was unaware of the term's derogatory meaning and insisted that his intention was not malicious. Massarotti stated that he was simply trying to poke fun at his younger colleague's age and reliance on certain metrics in baseball's Gold Glove awards.
Massarotti's apology included an 80-second mea culpa where he explained his actions: 'I did want to address this because during [Wednesday's] show, while we were discussing baseball's Gold Glove awards, the voting and the data that went into it, I made reference to Tyler Milliken and people his age and their reliance on some of the metrics and how I didn't believe in them.' He continued, 'And, in so doing, I used a derogatory term that was unbeknownst to me. I didn't know that this term had a derogatory connotation. But I used it in reference to Milliken and his Gen Z brethren, for lack of a better term.'
Massarotti further emphasized his ignorance of the term's historical context: 'I had no idea that the word had that meaning.' He vowed to never utter it again and apologized to those who were offended by his actions.
This incident marks the second time in as many years that Massarotti has faced criticism for making racially insensitive comments. In February 2023, he cautioned Felger about two Black men sitting behind him during a remote broadcast, saying, 'Because the last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car.' This comment led to a brief suspension without pay for Massarotti.
The latest incident has sparked discussions about accountability in media and the importance of sensitivity training for public figures. Many are questioning whether Massarotti's apology is sufficient given the severity of his actions.
The controversy surrounding Massarotti's use of racial slurs highlights broader issues within society regarding cultural awareness and respect. It underscores the need for continuous education and dialogue about these sensitive topics.
As the media continues to grapple with these challenges, it remains crucial for public figures like Massarotti to take responsibility for their words and actions. The incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly innocuous comments can have profound impacts on communities.
