"Desperate Housewives" Insults the Filipinos UPDATE: ABC Apologizes

A scene in the 4th season premiere of "Desperate Housewives" has stirred controversy after the character Susan Mayer (played by Teri Hatcher) insulted the Filipino medics. According to a local newspaper, The Philippine government may seek an apology from the producers and the ABC network.



In the episode, Hatvher's character questions the qualification of the doctor played by guest star Nathan Fillion who attends to her during a medical consultation by saying: "Can I check those diplomas because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."

According to AFP, executive secretary of The Philippine government Eduardo Ermita they should demand an apology on behalf of the Filipino professionals. The Philippine Daily Inquirer which quoted the official, deems the line a racial slur. Filipino consul in L.A. Mary Jo Bernardo Aragon wrote a letter of complaint to ABC.

I was personally taken aback by the unnecessary and insensitive slur that has no place on "Desperate Housewives" and I believe Marc Cherry and ABC should issue a prompt apology.

UPDATE: ABC have said on Wednesday they may edit the episode and have issued the following apology:

"The producers of 'Desperate Housewives' and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere. There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines," the statement said.

"As leaders in broadcast diversity, we are committed to presenting sensitive and respectful images of all communities featured in our programs,"

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