Barilla Chairman Apologizes for Anti-Gay Remarks...Again

The chairman of the Italian pasta company Barilla, who made waves for making anti-gay comments last week which sparked a call for an international boycott, issued another apology on Monday, USA Today reports.

A video was posted to the Barilla website and shows Barilla chairman Guido Barilla apologizing for the highly controversial comments he made on Italy's La Zanzara radio show on Sept. 26. He also said in the video he vows to meet with groups "that best represent the evolution of the family."

"Through my entire life I have always respected every person I've met, including gays and their families, without any distinction," the exec says in the video. "I've never discriminated against anyone.

"I have heard the countless reactions around the world to my words, which have depressed and saddened me," he continued. "It is clear that I have a lot to learn about the lively debate concerning the evolution of the family. In the coming weeks, I pledge to meet representatives of the groups that best represent the evolution of the family, including those who have been offended by my words."

Soon after Guido Barilla's anti-gay comments made their way around the web, the company issued apologies through press statements as well as on social media.

"I'm sorry if my comments on La Zanzara have created misunderstanding or polemic, or if I've offended anyone. In the interview I only wanted to underline the central role of the woman in the family," the businessman said on Sept. 26 in a statement. Later that day the Guido Barilla wrote a lengthily apology on Facebook.

"With reference to my statements made yesterday .... I apologize if my words have led to misunderstandings or controversy, and have offended the sensibilities of some people," the post reads. "For clarity I would like to point out that I have the deepest respect for any person, without distinction. I have the utmost respect for homosexuals and for freedom of expression to anyone. I also said and repeat that I respect marriages between persons of the same sex. Barilla in its advertising has always chosen to represent the family because this is a symbol of welcome and of suffering for all. Guido Barilla"

Thousands of people slammed Guido Barilla for his comments and some even called for a boycott against Barilla, the world's largest pasta company.

"I would never do an advert with a homosexual family... if the gays don't like it they can go an[d] eat another brand," Guido Barilla said on the radio show. "For us the concept of the sacred family remains one of the fundamental values of the company. Everyone has the right to do what they want without disturbing those around them."

He then condemned same-sex adoption saying, "I have no respect for adoption by gay families because this concerns a person who is not able to choose."

You can watch Guido Barilla's full apology here.