Eric,

After reading your statement, I am not convinced that you have learned the important lesson.

When your children look up their name on google, I'm glad that they will come across a video of you getting humiliated.

You were not just being impolite - you were being a jackass.

I think that YOU are the one who needs a lesson in interacting with real people, not the people in line. Have you taken a look at the world around you lately?

You continue humiliating the guy in line - this time on your web site; and you call that an apology? Do you realize that the people you were humiliating are your customers. Yes, some of them may also be viewers of your channel but I don't think that they will be coming back any more. Not until you learn a little more about etiquette, journalism and the art of apologizing.

What you did was in no way even remotely funny or humorous at all. It was harassment so that guy can legally sue you if he wants. Anyone has the right to be offended because that was bullying no matter how you look at it. You were trying to exploit another human being for peoples amusement that's bullying and not humor. You deserved to have him make you look bad and even if he didn't blow up at you it would be terrible to watch. I'd be offended even more if it worked out. You should have walked away right after the first question you asked that was bad enough.

What Spillman did wasn't news, it wasn't entertainment, it was baiting and bullying strangers to amuse himself and his cohort of cowards.

His subsequent "apology" only made the situation worse. Spillman clearly feels no remorse over what he has done, will do it again if he can. The only thing he regrets is knowing that 100,000 people have seen what a moronic jerk he is, and some sizable fraction of those have told him so.

Picking on strangers is not informative, serves no public purpose, and no commercial interest. Spillman was surprised that his victim didn't meekly submit to the taunts and insults. But in truth the victim carried himself with far more class and intelligence and good manners than Stillman can even comprehend.

Put the victim on for a serious discussion? Does Stillman think his victim is as stupid and clueless as himself? Who could the victim have this discussion with? It certainly would not be Stillman, all he can do is mug for the camera.

The only question in my mind is why KTLA tolerates this moron. It certainly has reduced my opinion of the organization. I'll soon forget Stillman's name, but I'll remember KTLA, and be wary.

You know you geeks need to chill. It was just a hunk of plastic and metal. So the reporter doesn't believe that the latest gadget is cool. so what. what's the big deal - in the end were all just a pile of dust and wasting energy and time on crying about being labeled a geek or a freak - who cares. you are what you are. I was one to wait for the original so what'd that get me nothing - wasted money and time....learned my lesson about the marketing machine of apple (or insert whatever's the latest fad here)......

You're an idiot...Why are you even on TV?

Eric, no need to apologise. Listen, anyone who has the sense of humor to run through the mayor's sprinklers and make fun of himself getting the KTLA truck stuck in the sand while also being able to show genuine compassion while interviewing wildfire victims as the fires approached their homes is OK in my book. Take care my friend!

Trolling ques of people and asking lewd questions...
I hope the public cat-calls you forever over your sick blunder.
Nice example for your children. YOU SHOULD BE FIRED!

Eric,

treated the people with the respect they deserve, standing out all night just to be the first to have the gadget before anybody else deserves to be mocked.

It isnt bullying as some have said, wasnt overly funny either but it was all done in humour and people should not lose sight of that.

Hey Eric,

Your question about seeing a woman naked was probably inapproriate. However, I don't see the need for all the fuss! You apologized, now let's get off it. Why do people get so spun-up over minor stuff?! There's plenty of "big stuff" to get upset about. All in all, I have enjoyed your reporting for for several years. You're doing a fine job.

This just in: Tom has a douchebag fetish.

This just in: you're a douchebag.

Take some advise from Sidney Freedman on M*A*S*H...

"Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice."

I just wish the majority of these "literate" people that post on here would learn the difference between "then" and "than" and that there is no such word as "alot". It's two words "a" and "lot".
Nothing is worse THAN someone trying to prove their "intelligent" and objective point and they use "then" when it should be "than"!

spillman is ron burgundy without the sex appeal.

you're embarrassing. i've suffered through ktla's abomination of a newscast since i moved to la a year ago; nothing could be more gratifying than seeing its "personalities" clowned by a global audience. seriously - how do you live with yourself?

Although I'm biased since I'm Eric's brother, I have to say that it sounds as if Eric fell victim to the news show's producers' programming agenda more than anything. You could hear the anchors egging Eric on, saying he was afraid to ask someone if they had ever seen a grown woman naked. By the way, one must take this in its context; the question appears to be inspired by the pilot's line in the movie AIRPLANE: ("Have you ever seen a grown man naked?"). But for all those of you who have supported Eric in this blog and know he's a dedicated journalist, I salute you! I'm sure he's not always in direct control of what he reports on and what kinds of questions he's supposed to ask. The television news business is changing rapidly and Eric like everyone else is being forced to change with the times. Everyone who's called him names or said they'd like to punch him, get over yourselves!

This was pitiful and his "apology" was totally disengenuous. Kinda reminds me of the time during the Ralphs supermarket strike him trying to incite the people carrying the picket signs -- just what we need, a reporter telling picketers to "get excited. . .we're on TV." Poor judgement: both in terms of news value and human relations. Not sure what this says about the state of TV journalism knowing he was voted one of the best reporters by a media critic and his peers a few years ago. . .they, and you, should be ashamed.

Eric, While I could see you were trying to have fun…and it back-fired, I think you are taking too much heat. Everyone has the right to express their opinion but I wish that some of your other blogs received as much attention! I personally didn’t find it funny but I have watched you for so many years…I’m not going to hold this against you. I have seen worse things go on in the “news room/on air” then what you did and yet those things didn’t get even a ¼ of the attention.

I would like to know where all these people are on a daily basis when you are in the field coving amazing stories, (some of which I believe you have received awards for). I can see many here will be casting the first stone, for they have never done anything wrong. You apologized, (both on air and here) and if that’s not enough for some people, life must go on anyways.

Keep up the good work and your amazing, thought provoking blogs. Have a great week!

Eric, you should visit the Harry Potter fans waiting at the movie premiere in November. They're a bunch of entertaining geeks... I should know. I was there waiting for the Order of the Phoenix premiere for 12 hours just to get a glimpse of the stars walk the red carpet! Yes we are geeks but I'm sure we have more of a sense of humor that those waiting in line for a phone we can buy 50 bucks cheaper in a month anyway.

what a bummer - this things got legs because the subject of the interview says to the reporter what we all want to say to the media - the current state of journalism is such a perversion from what the founding fathers intended - we are all diminished by this guys mediocrity - and maybe saved just a little bit by the subject of the interview – TURN OFF YOUR TVs PEOPLE - and never talk to the press.

People!!!!! get a sense of humor! Eric, I love your segments and your goofy humor is perfect. Other morning news shows are too serious...all of you are so cool laughing and having fun. Keep up the great stuff...

Hi Eric,
You are one of my favorite KTLA field reporters, and I couldn't help but chuckle when I read the "bully" comments. Maybe this particular interview was a little out of line, but anyone who calls you a bully clearly hasn't seen your past segments on KTLA. Seriously, the guy who ran through sprinklers while reporting on water conservation issues is a bully? Again, I must chuckle. Perhaps those of us who watch your segments regularly are used to your consistently dorky sense of humor and are therefore more understanding than others in this particular case. In any event, I'm sure that you have learned your lesson and will reconsider making questionable jokes in future interviews, but I do hope that your reporting doesn't lose its signature lightheartedness. Best of luck!

shovanist pig - I wouldnt expect or accept that from a stranger on the streets, let alone on live tv... poor journalism - actually I wouldn't even classify that as journalism...

Matt there's a big difference between changing prices at a gas station and it risking Eric's being arrested or something and blatantly insulting someone. Those of you who think there was nothing wrong with this have obviously never been public humiliated simply for the pleasure of being humiliated. You've probably never been bullied and probably were the ones who did the bullying and thought that it was funny then! This has nothing to do with having a sense of humor. The people that are upset about it have "been there" they know what it's like to be publicly humiliated for absolutely no reason at all except for the pleasure of the one perpetrating the act!

Eric,

My colleagues and I really enjoyed the video, and have trouble with all the fuss over nothing.

I'm sure Sam Zell had a good laugh over it as well.

Eric, don't mind the haters. I'll bet the same people saying you suck and should resign or wahtever are the same people that were laughing and cheering you on the day you made another Eric Spillman funny by changing the gas prices. A little humor never hurt anyone, and with news so serious these days between war, money, the economy, we need a little laugh now and then. I can understand the guy maybe getting upset (perhaps because the question was true?) but all the viewers getting upset and calling you names, that's just rediculous. Keep up the good work Eric and the humorous reporting. And who knows, maybe being a YouTube star might win you an award to put in your office to where you'll have the last laugh in the end.

And that SAM an idiot too!

Apology not taken... and let me explain to you why in my case I will not take it. ANALYZING the way you wrote your apology (analyzing from the psychological point of view) anyone can see this is not an act of being really sorry but probably something HR forced you to do.

When somebody apologize concious about being wrong, that person "DOESN'T GUESS" he/she deserve it... HE/SHE KNOWS IT! When somebody was wrong, acted wrong and knows it that person does not apologize and then justify with a lame excuse why he did it. He/She just apologize PERIOD.
And I am not going to totally rip your text off because it will be very humiliating to you.. and that will be just like you.

But this apology is nothing but a forced reaction. Something you were told to do. so therefor... not taken.

I know somebody asked you if you got your journalist diploma via mail... No need to reply that you do not have a degree... it is something very obvious.

Hi - what's the big deal? Maybe it wasn't the most appropriate thing to say, but geez the comments I've been reading are MUCH more inappropriate.

Let it go people......the guy in line didn't seem to need your help; he handled the situation as he saw fit and apparently doesn't feel the need to keep it going - LET IT GO!

I feel bad for you, Eric. I don't believe you have a mean bone in your body. After all, didn't someone keep telling you in your earpiece to ask someone that question? And didn't the guys sitting there in the studio keep egging you on? (But you didn't have to ask it.) Maybe it was a bad move but you don't deserve all of this stuff being said by those previously posted. I think you are a great reporter and keep up the good work.

Geez people... it was poor attempt at being funny, but it's not the end of the world. Perhaps they were more embarrassed about being filmed waiting in line to buy a phone.

This has reached a little further than your parochial demographic. Here in England we also have the press we deserve so it takes something particularly tacky to break through the mire. And don't feel vindicated, please, by the approving comments of those posting here - pandering to the ignorant is easy enough; its knowing where the boundaries are and sticking to the correct side of them that distinguishes a proper journalist. You are fortunate to be being given another opportunity to demonstrate that you can do so. I hope you learn from it.

The problem wasn't so much that your questions were rude, its that they were lame attempts at making rude be funny.

It seems to me that you were going for a Triumph The Insult Comic Dog vibe. And if you're going to pull that off, you gotta bring your A game.

You're apologies where you just point out how famous you are on youtube make you just look like more of a jackass than you were in the first place.

So many people here tell us we are "to uptight" or something.

Well, that has nothing to do with it. I don't live in the U.S., I live in a country where you can see a nipple on TV without it being likened to a scandal the size of Watergate.

However, even here, I'd be pissed if someone asked me about my sex life on TV, just to embarass me.

Getting angry at being insulted at the lowest level has nothing to do with a society being too uptight, it has to do with you being a jackass, Eric.

For the rest of your tenure as a 'journalist' you will be remembered for one thing. It is immortality, of a sort.

In one minute Jon Stewart is starting. Let's see if you're the lead.

Hi Eric,
I've never written anybody before about something I saw on T.V. but this time I just had to. I have watched the morning news for over 14 years and when I saw the segment on Friday I just laughed. I thought in no way did it insult or make fun of that guy. I agree with one of the comments made above that we are just too uptight. I know the kind of person you are, by watching you for so long and I just had to write to say, PLEASE PLEASE keep doing the fine outstanding job your doing I love watching all you guys on the morning news it's the only one that gives you the news but makes you laugh and feel like your family. Keep up the great work.
God Bless you

Mostly, I think it was a lame joke. The stereotype of geeky, underdeveloped gadget-boy is dated. Being up-to-date and comfortable with technology is not a flaw. You guys sound like a bunch of high-schoolers, bullying and laughing at the nerds. You used the power of your camera to try to humiliate and antagonize people. Did you even look at the people in line? All perfectly normal... Not a scrawny virgin in the bunch. Please join the rest of us adults in the 21st century.

Here is a photo of him:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jlvoris/2586065962/

Hey Eric,

I have to ask. Was that bit with the guy in line your idea or the brain fart of your new ND or producer? Be honest. Because it's a bit out of character for you. And I know they talk in your ear.

Paul

Eric - first off, I don't understand why anyone would be standing in line all night for anything! Especially a phone. But, I for one did wonder why you would ask someone, on live camera no less, such a personal question. I would of thought that you could of come up with something less offensive and funnier. You are usually 'quicker on your feet' and could of had a far witty, less offensive question . Also, I see that Bill was on today. So, what's IS his status at KTLA?

Two comments. Anyone who would stand in line overnight for a telephone needs to have their heads examined and I dont care how up todate the phone it. Funny thing - you all stood in line all that time and the phone wouldnt work. So much for that.

Second, I was listening when Eric made that tasteless comment and was some what taken back by it. It didnt sound like something that he would say on his own. I got the impression it was something he was told to say -he does have that little earphone in his ear. If he was told to say it, it just follows the way KTLA has been going lately - from putting Stephanie out in the rain to letting go of Bill and Willa. Tasteless - Bill is back, I think, but what about Willa?

People, People, give Eric a break, it was tastlesss but go on with life, put all this energy into getting Bill and Willa back.

Wouldn't it be funnier if the guy answered, "Well I'll be seeing a lot of naked chicks on my new i phone." That would be HI-larious! Come on people get a sense of humor its free and you don't have to wait in line for hours to get one.

P.S. stay strong E-Dawg

So, tell me Eric, will you be trolling the line of people waiting to buy Superbowl tickets? How about concert tickets? How about folks who wait in line for a chance to audition? Will you be poking fun at people who love sports, concerts or long for a chance to be on TV?

Your attempt at humor was based on the humiliation of another person. That stopped being funny when most of us graduated from high school. And then you were terribly embarrassed and humiliated when your target called you on it and questioned you in the execution of your profession. That was funny, watching you try to recover and failing miserably.

You claim to have learned your lesson. I wonder.

Smittie

This is the guy:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffvoris

I know the guy. He's a friend of mine. If you email me, I'll give you his email address.

"I wouldn't wait in a line for a gadget but i wouldn't think it says anything about someone's sex life. Correlating gadget/nerd related things with virginity is humor that shouldn't survive long after you leave high school. You're a small person if you find that type of joke clever in any way, and even more so if you're willing to consider it as a possible axiom."
- from http://www.boingboing.net/2008/07/14/iphone-linewaiter-st.html

Your poor behaviour is getting widespread notice on the webz. The parthian shot about naked women at the end of your apology shows how unapologetic you clearly are. What a bummer.

YIKES! What a horrible, insincere apology. I don't know who was worse though, you or the anchor that kept making excuses for you. That was some serious douchebaggery you displayed in both the previous interview and in this apology.

"People respond poorly to TV newspeople being impolite on the air." Most people respond poorly to people being as rude as you were, not just on air and you should know better than that. No one deserves to be treated that way.

Eric: you were 100 correct in your comments about the people waiting for a phone. We walked by an apple store yesterday, saw people waiting for hours, while the sales people inside were doing nothing. nothing. All these people, doing NOTHING> Why not contribute their time (and phones) to a good cause, rather than just being able to be the first on their block. What a waste of time, money and ego. Save the ego for the politicians and actors. Or are they one and the same? What a waste. keep up the good work on exposing the silliness in our society. Think of Darfur or Zimbabwe, or even here in post-Katrina Louisiana and Mississippi. Yeck. These are probably the same people who sit in their huge SUVs while waiting for someone, with their engines running for hours. Wasteful, wasteful, wasteful.