An apology from Melissa Harris-Perry

On Sunday’s program, we showed a photo of Governor Romney holding his adopted grandson, who is African-American.

The intent of featuring the photo was to celebrate it— I often speak to the issue of the increasingly diverse American family.Whatever the intent, the segment proceeded in an unexpected way that was offensive. Without reservation or qualification, I apologize to the Romney family and to all families built on loving transracial adoptions.

I am sorry. Without reservation or qualification. I apologize to the Romney family. #MHPapology

— Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHarrisPerry) December 31, 2013

I work by guiding principle that those who offend do not have the right to tell those they hurt that they r wrong for hurting. #MHPapology

— Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHarrisPerry) December 31, 2013

Therefore, while I meant no offense, I want to immediately apologize to the Romney family for hurting them. #MHPapology

— Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHarrisPerry) December 31, 2013

As black child born into large white Mormon family I feel familiarity w/ Romney family pic & never meant to suggest otherwise. #MHPapology

— Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHarrisPerry) December 31, 2013

I apologize to all families built on loving transracial adoptions who feel I degraded their lives or choices. #MHPapology

— Melissa Harris-Perry (@MHarrisPerry) December 31, 2013