( CNN ) -- Comedian Jerry Lewis on Tuesday apologized for using the word `` fag '' as he broadcast his annual Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy . 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 . `` The success of the show and all the good that will come of it should n't be lost because of one unfortunate word . I accept responsibility for what I said . There are no excuses . I am sorry . '' Earlier Tuesday , the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation called on Lewis to apologize . `` Jerry Lewis ' on-air use of this kind of anti-gay slur is simply unacceptable , '' GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano said in a statement posted on the group 's Web site . `` It also feeds a climate of hatred and intolerance that contributes to putting our community in harm 's way . '' Watch how Jerry Lewis apologized » . In the 18th hour of the telethon Monday , Lewis , with his bow-tie undone and his shirt collar open , stumbled around the set at the South Coast Hotel , Casino and Spa in Las Vegas , Nevada , marveling at the cameraman 's ability to keep up with him . `` Look how good he moves that camera , you son of a gun . Wherever I go , he goes , '' said Lewis , 81 . `` Let 's see what you do with this over here , '' said the comedian and actor , who became famous as Dean Martin 's slapstick partner on stage and in several films in the 1950s . Lewis then gestured toward two other cameras on the set . `` Oh , your family has come to see you . You remember Bart , your oldest son , '' he said , pointing to one camera . `` Jessie , the illiterate fag , '' Lewis said , pointing to the other . `` No , '' he said then , as some audience members laughed . In Tuesday 's statement , Lewis said , `` I apologize to anyone who was offended . `` I obviously made a poor choice of words . Everyone who knows me understands that I hold no prejudices in this regard . In the family atmosphere of the telethon , I forget that not everyone knows me that well . '' Giuliano said GLAAD was requesting a meeting with the comedian , who has done the Labor Day telethon for 42 years . `` We want to sit down with him , help him understand why these words are so hurtful , and give him an opportunity to raise public awareness about the destructive impact of these kinds of anti-gay slurs , even more so in attempted humor , '' he said in his statement . The 21½-hour telethon raised a record $ 63.8 million in pledges and contributions , according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association Web site . E-mail to a friend .
NEW : UP apologized for using the word ` ` fag '' during telethon . Lewis was joking with fans in 18th hour of telethon . GLAAD criticized Lewis ' use of ` ` . '' Annual Muscular Dystrophy Foundation alone raises $ 63.7 million .