Steve Martin Apologizes After Making Racial Joke on Twitter

Comedian deletes offensive exchange with one of his followers

For many, Steve Martin's recent attempt at humor was no laughing matter.

While chatting with his fans on Twitter on Friday, Dec. 20, the funnyman was asked by a follower, "Is this how you spell lasonia?"

Martin replied by writing, "It depends. Are you in an African-American neighborhood or at an Italian restaurant?"

Immediately, though, the 68-year-old comedian realized that his answer might be offensive and quickly deleted the exchange, but not before several folks called him out on it.

He subsequently issued an apology, noting, "In retrospect, bad joke...Sorry about that."

Martin later added, "My tweet was highly inappropriate."

Meanwhile, last week, the It's Complicated star humorously shut down his own self-created rumor that he and newly single Khloé Kardashian are an item.

"Despite rumors, Khloé Kardashian and I are 'just friends,'" Martin joked on Twitter on Monday, Dec. 16. "Be sure to check out my new album, 'Just Friends with Khloé Kardashian.'"