Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh apologized to Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke on Saturday for calling her a "slut," among other things.
In a written statement on his website, Limbaugh said he did not mean to make a personal attack on Fluke.
"My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir," Limbaugh said in the statement. "I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."
Limbaugh was under pressure to apologize, as advertisers were pulling ads from his show, and prominent Republicans—including the GOP presidential field—condemned his comments.
Fluke has been at the center of a national debate over contraception. Barred from testifying before a Congressional committee last month, Fluke later testified before a panel of Democratic House members. At issue is a compromise that President Obama reached about how religious institutions provide contraception coverage for their employees.
On Friday, Obama called Fluke to express his support.
Limbaugh defended his opinion in his apology statement.
"I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress," Limbaugh said. "I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line?"
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