Jerry Lewis celebrates the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon 's record take at the end of the broadcast . `` That something like this would distract from the true purpose of the telethon pains me deeply , '' Lewis said in a written statement . NEW : Lewis apologizes for using the word `` fag '' during telethon . Lewis was joking with cameraman in 18th hour of telethon . Comment: Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon raises $ 63.7 million .
NEW : Lewis apologizes for using the word `` fag '' during telethon . Lewis was joking with cameraman in 18th hour of telethon . Comment: Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon raises $ 63.7 million .