Joe Francis Apologizes For Rant Against Jury Members

Joe Francis, famous for his “Girls Gone Wild” empire, has apologized for an “appalling” Hollywood Reporter interview in which he repeatedly insulted members of the jury which convicted him of false imprisonment and assault, saying they should be “shot.” He has now issued a statement saying that

I deeply regret the remarks attributed to me in the interview with the Hollywood Reporter. They were hurtful and do not reflect my true feelings. While I disagree with the jury’s verdict as I am completely innocent of the charges and intend to appeal, I was afforded a fair trial, and if I lose at the appellate level, I will reluctantly but fully accept the jury’s verdict.

He also says he was “not being serious” and that his comments were “manipulated by the media.”