WBNS-10TV Columbus, Ohio: Clooney not sorry he made fun of Abramoff

LOS ANGELES George Clooney isn't sorry for his Jack Abramoff joke at the Golden Globes. Last night, the actor told Larry King on C-N-N that "the person who's disparaged the Abramoff name is not me."

The lobbyist has pleaded guilty to fraud and bribery. He has acknowledged providing lavish trips, golf outings, meals and more to public officials "in exchange for a series of official acts."

At the Golden Globes last month, Clooney made a crude reference to Abramoff's name as he accepted a best supporting actor award for "Syriana."

The comment triggered an angry letter from Abramoff's father. He wrote to a California newspaper, saying the "glib and ridiculous" attack caused his granddaughter to cry.

Clooney says he admires Abramoff's father for sticking up for his son.