article_snippet.sent: (CNN)A popular Chinese television host known for impromptu satire is now the subject of controversy after being caught on camera cursing the late Chairman Mao Zedong.
article_snippet.sent: Bi Fujian, who works for state-run China Central Television, was filmed at a dinner party singing a revolutionary song that eulogizes the Communist Party's early years when he started going off script.
article_snippet.sent: Making disrespectful references to China's leaders in public is considered a taboo in China, even today.
article_snippet.sent: And Bi's comment was directed at the man regarded by many as China's founding father -- despite the man regarded by many as the country's founding father controversial reputation.
article_snippet.sent: Since then, it has been removed from video-sharing sites inside China, although it was still accessible on Weibo.
article_snippet.sent: As a CCTV presenter, Bi Fujian's speech in the online video has led to grave social consequences," the network said in a statement posted on the network Weibo account.
article_snippet.sent: Fondly known as "Grandpa Bi," the 56-year-old TV personality was born and grew up in the Mao era.
article_snippet.sent: the online video quickly divided China's online community.
article_snippet.sent: CNN's Shen Lu contributed to this report.
highlights_snippet.sent: Bi apologizes on social media: "My personal speech has led to grave social consequences"
  Chinese TV star filmed cursing the late Chairman Mao Zedong .
  
highlights_snippet.sent: Making disrespectful references to China's leaders in public is still taboo .