The New York gym teacher who punched Jersey Shore star Nicole Polizzi Snookiin the face has publically apologized for his actions.

After seeing a video of the attack, I was sick to my stomach, Brad Ferro, 24, said.

I couldn't believe that I'd ever do anything like that. I was raised to act in a respectful manner to women, Ferro added.

I deeply regret what happened, he goes on. Nobody deserves that. That was not the real Brad Ferro.

The scene, which left Polizzi with a mouth injury, was cut from tonight's episode.

Ferro was arrested August 19 shortly after knocking the 21-year-old actress to t he floor and was suspended from his job.

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