Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro, Actor Robert De Niro on Wednesday 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.”

Robert Deniro Children

Robert Deniro Children, Robert De Niro and wife Grace Hightower have announced that they have welcomed a baby girl, who was born via surrogate, to their family. De Niro and wife Grace Hightower have welcomed a baby girl to their family.

The new addition to the De Niro family was born via surrogate and named Helen Grace. A second child for the couple who have been married for almost 14 years, the baby weighed in at 7 lbs., 2 oz. at time of birth. She joins older brother, 13-year-old Elliot. No further details about the birth were provided.

68-year-old De Niro himself has four other children from previous relationships. He has a 35-year-old son, Raphael, from his marriage to Diahnne Abbott, and adopted Diahnne’s daughter, 40-year-old Drena. He also has 16-year-old twin sons Julian and Aaron, with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith.

Speaking about his approach to parenthood in 2009, the actor said: “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my years as a father is to keep the lines of communication open with my kids.

“I care deeply about all of them, and I have made a conscious effort to talk to and to listen to them… not to lecture them, but to tell them things I think are important for them to know.”