Robert De Niro apologizes for "white first lady" joke

WASHINGTON: Actor Robert De Niro has apologized for joking at a Democratic fundraiser with Michelle Obama about the possibility of having a "white first lady" at the White House after November's presidential elections.

The Oscar-winning star of "The Godfather: Part II" and "Raging Bull" said he had intended no offense with the remark about the wives of Republican presidential contenders Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney.

"My remarks, although spoken with satirical jest, were not meant to offend or embarrass anyone -- especially the first lady," De Niro said in a statement.

De Niro found himself in hot water after Monday's fundraiser in New York when he introduced Michelle Obama as the main speaker.

"Callista Gingrich, Karen Santorum, Ann Romney. Now do you really think our country is ready for a white first lady?" De Niro said. "Too soon, right?"

Newt Gingrich called the remarks inexcusable and divisive. Michelle Obama's office said the joke was "inappropriate." (Reuters)

Robert de Niro's historic townhouse up for sale for 14m dollars

Hollywood legend Robert De Niro is selling his West Village townhouse that he has owned for the past three decades for 14 million dollars.

The listing agent for the Hollywood legend is none other than his own son, Prudential Douglas Elliman broker Raphael De Niro.

The Real Estalker found that the house, bought by Niro for 190,000 dollars in 1975, has now been listed for 75 times the actual value, reports the New York Daily News.

According to The Real Deal, the five-storied townhouse built in 1852 is a 4000-sq-ft home with five bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 12-foot ceilings.

As for the special appeal of the house other than a celebrity connection, there’s a ‘secluded private garden’ and a terrace for the master suite.