Univision TV presenter and Emmy-Award winner, Rodner Figueroa has been fired after he made derogatory comments about the First Lady of The United States, Michelle Obama.

During a show that was broadcast on Wednesday, Rodner was discussing the make-up artist who transforms himself in Kim Kardashian and Michelle Obama, Paolo Ballesteros when he made the comment that he made Michelle looks like she was in Planet of the Apes:

“Well, watch out, you know that Michelle Obama looks like she’s from the case of Planet of the Apes the movie.”

At the time, nothing was said regarding the defamatory comment, but a call later came from Michelle Obama’s office, complaining about the broadcast.

Now, Rodner has written a letter to the First Lady, TMZ says, explaining how his comment was not meant in racist way: “I’ve been an activist for causes in favour of minorities, as I have been discriminated against.”

Rodner also added that he is the first openly-gay Hispanic TV presenter and is from a bi-racial family.