American pop singer-songwriter Katy Perry. Photo: Eva Rinaldi.

Earlier this week, singer Katy Perry’s father made headlines for remarks he made during a religious sermon in Ohio.

“You know how to make the Jew jealous? Have some money, honey. You go to LA and they own all the Rolex and diamond places. Walk down a part of LA where we live and it is so rich, it smells. You ever smell rich? They are all Jews, hallelujah. Amen.”

After the Anti-Defamation League and other groups released statements condemning the remarks, Mr. Hudson apologized.

“I deeply regret the hurtful and ugly language I used in my message in Ohio. I used images about Jews rooted in the worst anti-Semitism in the past, images that at times led to the persecution and murder of Jews. “I can’t tell you where I picked up phrases and descriptions that became part of my vocabulary. I used them without ever considering what they meant. …I apologize for the hurt that I caused my Jewish friends.”

In response, the ADL quickly addressed the apology.

“Religious leaders bear a responsibility to speak out against anti-Semitism, and it seems Mr. Hudson now realizes the power of his words. He should use his church pulpit to teach and preach against anti-Semitism.”