Busey apologizes for embracing Jennifer Garner
LOS ANGELES (AP) -March 18, 2008 During a live E! pre-show broadcast, Busey repeatedly
interrupted while Ryan Seacrest was interviewing Garner and Laura
Linney. At one point, Busey embraced Garner, who looked annoyed.
"I meant no disrespect to Ms. Jennifer Garner when I met her at
the Oscars and apologize if I made her uncomfortable," the
63-year-old actor said in a statement e-mailed Monday by a
publicist for his attorney, Vicki Roberts.
By the time he realized Garner and Linney were being
interviewed, Busey said he tried to step back but "suddenly Ryan
introduced her to me."
Calls to Garner's publicist, Leslie Sloane-Zelnik, weren't
immediately returned.
"I simply greeted both actresses with joy and open arms, which
is the way I would greet anyone I'm happy to meet," Busey said.
"Everyone has experienced a handshake or hug which has turned
awkward, and this was no different."
Busey, an Oscar nominee for his role in 1978's "The Buddy Holly
Story," has parodied his eccentric reputation on the HBO comedy
"Entourage."