Jay Leno decided to apologize yesterday for an inappropriate on-air comment made during his Tonight Show last week. The set-up involved actor Ryan Phillippe and a discussion on his first role, as a gay teenager on “One Life to Live.”

While talking, at a certain point, Mr. Leno asked his guest: "Can you give me, like – say that camera is your gay lover ... Can you give me your 'gayest look?'" Ryan Phillippe was noticeably uncomfortable with the request, saying "Wow, that is so something I don't want to do."

The intended joke quickly became big news, showing once again why live shows (or shows taped live and improperly edited ) are so difficult to conduct and why all topics of discussion must be carefully selected in order to prevent such incidents.

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation did not hesitate to start a ‘campaign’ against the TV host, stating that Jay Leno showed very little respect and consideration for the gay community and that an apology is in order.

"Under the guise of comedy, the talk show host is demonstrating a lack of respect for the gay community and insensitivity to both his coworkers and the audience, to whom he owes an apology," Alliance president Neil G. Giuliano said in a statement.

At the same time, Giuliano saluted Ryan Phillippe for his prompt reply during the live show: "We are proud of Ryan for refusing to participate in Leno's thoughtless attempt at humor."

In a statement to People magazine, the Tonight Show host said: "In talking about Ryan's first role, I realize that what I said came out wrong. I certainly didn't mean any malice. I agree it was a dumb thing to say, and I apologize."

Phillippe was on the show to promote his new film “Stop-Loss.”