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In a statement on his Facebook, Johnson said he didn't intend to offend anyone with his statements. Reuters

"American Idol" contestant Caleb Johnson has offered an apology to his fans for calling them "retards" during a recent red carpet interview.

Johnson made the statements during a chat with AfterBuzz TV. He was making a comment about social media and how people use it to reach out to him:

"It gives access to a bunch of retards to talk to me, and I don't really enjoy having to see somebody telling me what song I need to sing. I think at this point in the competition I can pick and choose my own songs and represent me. I don't need 10,000 people telling me 'you should sing this, you should sing that, listen to me.' Fortunately, guys, I'm going to listen to myself, whether you like it or not."

The "American Idol" Season 13 contestant took to his Facebook account to offer an apology for his words, saying that he didn’t intend to offend anyone.

"For the record, that juvenile comment I made in the interview was not directed towards my fans but to the wackos that send hundreds of hate messages a day to me! You guys are amazing, and I cannot thank you enough for your support. Sorry if it offended anybody; it was the wrong choice of words. Also, I greatly appreciate it when you guys give me song suggestions, but it gets really overwhelming at the volume it comes in so please understand ! Rock on !:)"

Johnson received a wave of support from fans on both Facebook and Twitter after posting the apology. He is currently one of the four remaining contestants on the show.

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