Garrison Keillor's Response To Sexual Harassment Allegations: 'I Had A Good Run'

After Minnesota Public Radio announced on Wednesday that it had cut ties with Garrison Keillor citing "inappropriate behavior," the retired host of "A Prairie Home Companion," released a response regarding the matter.

In a statement via email to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Keillor detailed his account of the alleged incident.

"I put my hand on a woman’s bare back," he wrote. "I meant to pat her back after she told me about her unhappiness and her shirt was open and my hand went up it about six inches. She recoiled. I apologized. I sent her an email of apology later and she replied that she had forgiven me and not to think about it. We were friends. We continued to be friendly right up until her lawyer called."

Keillor, 75, was fired over "allegations of his inappropriate behavior with an individual who worked with him," according to a statement released by MPR. Meanwhile, Keillor claimed he was terminated due to "a story that I think is more interesting and more complicated than the version M.P.R. heard," the Associated Press reported.

"Getting fired is a real distinction in broadcasting and I’ve waited fifty years for the honor," Keillor added. "All of my heroes got fired. I only wish it could’ve been for something more heroic. Anyone who ever was around my show can tell you that I was the least physically affectionate person in the building. Actors hug, musicians hug, people were embracing every Saturday night left and right, and I stood off in the corner like a stone statue."

Keillor continued: "If I had a dollar for every woman who asked to take a selfie with me and who slipped an arm around me and let it drift down below the beltline, I’d have at least a hundred dollars. So this is poetic irony of a high order. But I’m just fine. I had a good long run and am grateful for it and for everything else."

Two employees had made allegations of sexual misconduct against Keillor, according to an email he sent to MPR on Wednesday. Keillor was an integral part of the success of MPR, with shows such as "The Writer’s Almanac" and "The Best of A Prairie Home Companion hosted by Garrison Keillor."