A popular Chinese television celebrity has apologised for insulting the founder of Communist China at a private dinner and says he will better discipline himself.
Bi Fujian, the host of the talent show Avenue of Stars at the state broadcaster China Central Television, issued the apology on Thursday night on his own personal microblog that has 1.3 million followers.
Bi said he feels very guilty and sad about his speech and wants to express to the public his "deep apology".
In a home video that circulated widely online before censors removed it this week, Bi apparently was amusing his audience at a private dinner by singing a revolutionary song about Communist Party-led soldiers battling bandits in northeastern China in the 1940s.
To the laughter of guests, Bi adds his own commentary in a speaking voice between lines.
After the lyrics mention Mao Zedong, Bi refers to him using a vulgar Chinese insult that includes a reference to female genitals, and says "he has ruined us all".
Bi also mocks the soldiers, suggesting their battles were pointless and the song's claim of victory boastful.
The remarks have caused a stir in China and prompted CCTV to launch an investigation.
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