'TOWIE' Maria Fowler sorry for "half-breed" comment

Published May 6 2012, 15:05 BST  |  By Paul Millar

The Only Way Is Essex star Maria Fowler has apologised for using the term "half-breed", just days after Marcus Collins said he thought he had heard her use racist words in his presence.

Fowler was alleged to have used homophobic and racist terms by the X Factor singer on May 3 during a Twitter row. She denied the accusations at the time, writing: "Call me rascist (sic) I will sue you for defamation."



The glamour model has now admitted using the phrase "half-breed", but has released a statement on Twitter insisting that she is "not a racist person".

Fowler wrote: "Last night I was overheard discussing the fact I was branded a racist by Marcus Collins. In reaction to the allegations I mentioned that I am not a racist person and I went with a mixed race boy the other week.

"Now stupidly I used the term 'half breed', which means someone who is a mix of ethnicities, I then laughed at the stupidity of the situation. What I did not realise (and now fully regret) is that the term 'half breed' is seen by some, as derogatory it is a word that has openly been used by my peers through my life (sic).

"In the dictionary, the term 'half breed' means 'the offspring of parents of dual racial origin' and the term racist is used for someone with hate towards people of different ethnicity to themself, which i sickening and ignorant.

"I have never been a racist and to suggest so is deeply hurtful and sickening. it's a difficult world where the slightest comment and people jump and a bandwagon so quick to brand you racist. And it's a shame.

"I have not a racist bone in my body. I have had serious relationships with both a mixed English/Jamaican, and also mixed Pakistani/Portuguese these are not the actions of a person with hate towards other races. I sincerely apologise if I have upset anyone with my terminology."

The 26-year-old reality TV star added: "This is a mistake I will definatly learn from. I am not perfect and we all make our mistakes. But once again I am not a racist and deeply sorry for any offence that may have been caused."