WASHINGTON, DC, United States (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush has apologized for teasing a legally blind reporter about wearing sunglasses during a news conference.
The incident happened Wednesday at a Rose Garden media briefing when Bush, who was in high spirits, responded to Los Angeles Times reporter Peter Wallsten`s raised hand and asked if Wallsten was going to ask his question 'with shades on.'
Wallsten offered to remove them, but Bush quipped 'I`m interested in the shade look,' ABC News reported.
Bush was later advised Wallsten has Stargardt`s disease, a type of macular degeneration that is slowed by UV-blocking sunglasses.
Bush immediately called Wallsten`s cell phone to apologize for the teasing.
Wallsten told Bush he accepted his apology, though it wasn`t necessary, and said he didn`t want the president to treat him any differently, as there was no way Bush could have known why he was wearing the sunglasses.
