Gilbert Gottfried Fired as AFLAC Duck After Making Japan Jokes

Gottfried got fired.

Comic Gilbert Gottfried will no longer be the voice of the Aflac duck — effective immediately, CNN reports.

The insurance company fired Gottfried, 56, on Monday after he made a slew of jokes via Twitter about the tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

"Gilbert's recent comments about the crisis in Japan were lacking in humor and certainly do not represent the thoughts and feelings of anyone at Aflac," said Aflac senior vice-president Michael Zunda.

Among Gottfried's weekend Tweets, which have since been taken down:

"Japan called me. They said 'maybe those jokes are a hit in the U.S., but over here, they're all sinking.'" Another: "I was talking to my Japanese real estate agent. I said 'is there a school in this area.' She said 'not now, but just wait.'"

Added Aflac's Zunda: "Aflac Japan — and, by extension, Japan itself — is part of the Aflac family, and there is no place for anything but compassion and concern during these difficult times."

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Gottfried has voiced the famous Aflac duck for over ten years.

If you'd like to help the thousands affected by the disaster in Japan, text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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