Kristi Capel of Fox 8 News in the Morning in Cleveland learned the value of her words yesterday, Feb. 23, the hard way. She was discussing the Oscars with co-anchor Wayne Dawson when the topic turned to Lady Gaga's Sound of Music medley. Capel was in the middle of praising Gaga and explaining how she never realized how amazing the star's voice really is because it is usually hard to hear it "with all of that jigaboo music she does or whatever you want to call it, jigaboo," said Capel, while laughing. Dawson, who just happens to be African-American, clearly had no idea how to even react to her on-air insensitivity.

Capel claimed to have not even been sure the term was an actual word let along know the real meaning behind it.

She quickly took to her social media in an attempt to make amends with viewers -- and probably save her job if she is lucky -- saying, "I deeply regret my insensitive comment. I didn't know the meaning and would never intentionally use hurtful language. I sincerely apologize."

Needless to say, the response has been pretty vicious. When words are your currency, you cannot afford to use words you do not understand -- period.

Capel's apology went over like a lead balloon, leading Andy Fishman, the news director for Fox 8 to issue a statement himself.

"I want to sincerely apologize for Kristi's comment this morning. She did not know the meaning of that word or how offensive it is. That is still no excuse for her using it on the air. She apologized a short time after saying it and we have spoken to her," said Fishman.

Do you believe Capel really did not know that she was making a derogatory racial slur? Even if she did not understand the meaning and it was a serious mistake, what now? Should this cost Capel her job? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

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