Gary Busey surprised viewers and actress Jennifer Garner when he gave her a giant bear hug while on the red carpet at the Oscars last month. Now, the actor has issued an apology for embracing Garner during the live E! pre-show broadcast.

Busey interrupted host Ryan Seacrest while he was interviewing Garner and actress Laura Linney. At one point Busey embraced Garner causing the actress to ask Seacrest where her husband Ben Affleck was.

In a statement released Monday, the 63-year-old actor said, "I meant no disrespect to Ms. Jennifer Garner when I met her at the Oscars and apologize if I made her uncomfortable."

He went on to say, "I simply greeted both actresses with joy and open arms, which is the way I would greet anyone I'm happy to meet. Everyone has experienced a handshake or hug which has turned awkward, and this was no different."

Busey, who already had an eccentric reputation prior to the incident, has parodied his reputation on the HBO comedy "Entourage."

RELATED PHOTOS AND ARTICLES
Jennifer Garner - Elektra Movie Premiere - ArrivalsJennifer Garner - ABC Televisions 75th Anniversity CelebrationJennifer Garner - Catch and Release Los Angeles PremiereJennifer Garner - Catch and Release Los Angeles PremiereRyan Seacrest - 2003 Teen Choice Awards - ArrivalsGary Busey - Motocross Kids Movie PremiereBen Affleck - Gigli Movie Premiere in Los Angeles - Arrivals
Gary Busey Calls Britney, Lindsay, Paris LosersTom Cruise For President?
Heidi Montag Denies Britney Spears DuetLionel Richie Approves Nicole's Fiance
Mark Ronsom Says He Will Not DJ At Suri Cruise's PartyParis Hilton To Join Boyfriend Benji Madden On Good Charlotte Tour
READER COMMENTS (1)
March 18, 2008 - 08:34PM - yogi
I saw jen's expression.. i saw the whole thing! and it seemed as though she wanted attention with her rediculous expression and reaction. The dude just gave her a hug, ppl do that. grow up Jennifer!