Mock media personality Stephen Colbert apologizes for offhanded insult to Canton, Georgia. The apology is about as real as the original offense, but considering the way Colbert (who hails from South Carolina) often takes potshots at neighboring Georgia, even a fake apology is noteworthy.

And hey! Free publicity for Canton, Georgia.

The Radio + TV blog on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution site comments on the story:

Holy backtrack, Batman! Stephen Colbert has issued what he termed a “rare” apology for last week’s “crappy Canton” comment that “puzzled” mayor Gene Hobgood.

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"Evidently, I offended some people because two days later, I saw this in the Atlanta Journal Constitution,” Colbert said in his Wednesday night broadcast. My colleague Jamie Gumbrecht’s print story is shown on screen and he reads the headline “Colbert’s ‘crappy Canton’ comment puzzles mayor.”

“Seems the mayor of Canton Georgia was none too happy with me,” he continued.

“It’s clear to me he has not been to Canton Georgia,” Hobgood says in a video clip from WXIA-TV.

“You’re absolutely right, Mayor Hobgood” Colbert said, to laughs. “I haven’t. But I hear it’s a beautiful place. Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Canton is the fastest growing city in Georgia. It has so much to offer like the Canton Historical Theater and the HIckory Creek log dam. Not to mention oxygen and paved roads.”

“Yes, Canton Georgia, a wonderful place to live. So again, Mayor Hobgood. I apologize.”

“Why did I call your lovely city crappy? A simple mixup. I meant Canton, Kansas.”

Which town he goes on to insult gratuitously and in great detail.

Here is video: