US TV anchor makes tearful on-air apology after comparing black co-host to gorilla

An American news anchor has made an emotional apology to her co-host after comparing him to a gorilla live on air. 

Alex Housden, a host on an Oklahoma news station, was presenting an item about a baby gorilla peering into a camera when she quipped: "he kind of looks like you" to her co-anchor Jason Hackett. 

In the clip, Hackett pauses for a brief moment before brushing off the jibe, replying: "he kind of does, actually, yeah."

Despite his good-natured response, Hackett later revealed his feelings had been hurt after Housden admitted her comment had been "inappropriate and inconsiderate". 

"I want you to know I understand how much I hurt you out there and how much I hurt [Hackett]," Housden said, choking back tears. 

"I want you all to know from the bottom of my heart I apologise for what I said...I am so sorry."

Hackett, referring to his co-host as one of his "best friends," said the remark had "cut deep," but that it could be a "teachable moment". 

"We're becoming a more diverse country, and there's no excuse," Hackett said. 

"We have to understand the stereotypes. We have to understand each other's backgrounds and the words that hurt, the words that cut deep.

"We have to find a way to replace those words with love and words of affirmation as well."

Hackett made it clear he accepted his co-host's apology, and no further comment has been made by either party or KOCO news. 

Newshub.