'Imperfect' Quincy Jones apologises for 'inexcusable word vomit' after controversial interview

Quincy Jones has apologised for a string of controversial comments he made about stars including Michael Jackson and Richard Pryor, insisting it was a case of "inexcusable word vomit".

The US music producer, 85, claimed Jackson stole inspiration for his biggest hits, The Beatles were the “worst musicians in the world” and that Marlon Brando was sleeping with comedian Pryor.

Jones said he was chastised by his daughters over the “silly comments” and insisted he has “learned my lesson”.

In a lengthy Twitter statement he wrote: “A couple weekends ago, my six daughters (who I’m beyond proud of) took me aside to do a surprise ‘family intervention’ because of some silly things I’ve said in two recent interviews and… I have LEARNED MY LESSON! I am an imperfect human and I’m not afraid to say it (sic).”

He continued: “When you’ve been fortunate enough to have lived such a long and crazy life (and you’ve recently stopped drinking- three years ago!), certain details about specific events (which do NOT paint the full picture of my intentions not experiences) come flooding back all at once, and even at 85, it’s apparent that ‘word vomit’ and bad-mouthing is inexcusable.”

He revealed he wanted to make a “public apology” as he feared his “bad-mouthing has contradicted the very real messages I tried to relay about racism, inequality, homophobia [and] poverty”.

Jones made the claims during an interview with Vulture in which he also claimed to know information on John F. Kennedy’s assassination and that he once dated Ivanka Trump.

Jones thanked his family for calling him out, finishing: “To my dear family and friends....thank you for your grace. Thank you for calling me out when I've clearly made a mistake...many mistakes. Even though sometimes it's difficult to receive criticism or discipline, (especially publicly), I want you to know I hear you.”

Jones was criticised by Brando’s son Miko Brando after he claimed the Godfather actor “would f*** a mailbox. James Baldwin. Richard Pryor. Marvin Gaye”.

Miko said his family had been left “disappointed” by Jones’ “wrongful comment”.

Pryor’s daughter Rain – who he had with Shelley R Bonus – also rubbished the “fake news” saying: “Daddy did NOT have relations with Brando. There were no trips to his South Pacific Oasis, no flowers or love notes between. Not even a film role.”