Junos head apologizes for 'off-script remarks' about women by Russell Peters

The president of the Junos is apologizing for"off-script remarks" Russell Peters made about young women in the crowd and Heritage MinisterMlanie Joly while hosting the awards show.

Allan Reid, who heads up the Juno Awards, CARASandMusiCounts, releaseda statement Tuesdaysaying his organizations did not supportPeters' comments he madewhile hosting Sunday's showwith Bryan Adams. According to Reid, the linesweren't in the script, but were ad-libbed by Peters.

"This incident is not reflective of any views held in our organization," Reid said.

"CARAS and our charitable arm MusiCountsconduct significant efforts to engage and support women, particularly funding initiatives for girls in school and community music programs.While we understand that there is still a lot of work to be done in these areas, we firmly believe the first step is empowering females."

Petersopened the show by pointing out thenumber of young women in the crowd andcalledita "felony waiting to happen." Later, while Adams was introducing Jolyas a presenter, Peters chimed in: "I don't know why, but she's hot, so who cares?"

Shortly after that, Joly was asked about Peters' remark in the press room but brushed it off. On Monday, she called itinappropriate while speaking outside the House of Commons.

"We need to make sure that all our role models are supporting the importance of gender parity," Joly said. "I really hope that he takes that into consideration and understands ... the importance of what he said."

Petershasyet to publicly address the criticism though he has "liked" a handful oftweets thatdefended his words.

• Russell Peters' comments 'inappropriate': Mlanie Joly