San Antonio news anchor Randy Beamer issued an apology for snickering while he read a story on Thomas Manning, the first man to undergo a penis transplant in the United States.
Later in the 5 p.m. broadcast, he said, "The story had a word in it that a 10-year-old would laugh at. Laughing about this in any way just perpetuates a stigma that these patients should not have to deal with."
"First, an apology for something unprofessional and unacceptable that one of our anchors did on the air right here at 5 p.m. today. He laughed during a very serious story. It was about the medical breakthrough that has the promise to help thousands of people. And the anchor here who was being stupid, immature and unprofessional was me. I'm sorry. I have no excuse for it. I bring up my reaction because it's exactly the kind of thing that Manning has had to deal with before and probably will have to again, but shouldn't. Next time you think of laughing at a word or maybe at someone, laugh at me in this teaching moment of why you shouldn't be stupid and insensitive. And remember people like Thomas Manning, who is really brave and can teach us all what real manhood is and that laughter can sometimes be very hurtful."
Manning had his penis amputated after being diagnosed with penile cancer. He is faring well after the 15-hour transplant operation last week, according to Massachusetts General Hospital.
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