“The Office” creator, Ricky Gervais, had to undertake some serious damage control when he tried to pull off a controversial joke about Susan Boyle during his stand-up show.

Fury ensued when the British comic used the word “mong” to describe the internationally beloved singer, Susan Boyle. “Mong” is a derogatory term used in Britain to describe an individual with Down Syndrome.

The British Down Syndrome Association quickly contacted the comedian having heard about the slur.

On his official blog Ricky Gervais wrote “The DSA contacted my PR on the 6th of May explaining they had had a report about my routine about Susan Boyle and voiced their obvious concerns.

“I sent them an email (in which I wrote) 'I clearly explain that words change and that at no point am I referring to anyone with Down's Syndrome. Not only am I not referring to people with Down's Syndrome I also explain that I am not associating the word with its old derogatory meaning. I also do it as part of a routine about comedians taking responsibility for everything they say. I hope this is acceptable.'"

The Association has accepted Gervais’ explanation. Has anyone asked Susan Boyle how she feels about it?