"It was a mispronunciation and I could tell that I was fumbling the words a little bit. In a video viewed by CNN, Kappell says "King" immediately after using the slur and continues with the Friday night broadcast. When asked why it took him time to respond, Kappell said he didn't even know what it was he said. Kappell "made an unfortunate flub and should be given the chance to apologize" on the station, Roker wrote on social media. Viewers of Kappell's broadcast were split on whether they think he intentionally or accidentally used the slur.

Source: CNN January 11, 2019 07:52 UTC