Longtime Boston sports radio host Tony Massarotti is facing heavy criticism after appearing to use a racial slur during a live broadcast on Wednesday. Massarotti, a prominent host on 95.5 The Sports Hub’s popular afternoon show “Felger & Mazz,” made the offensive remark while discussing Generation Z during a segment with his co-host, Michael Felger.
During the conversation, Massarotti said, “I’ve determined, incidentally, that the ‘Z’ stands for ‘zipperhead,’” a derogatory term historically used as a slur against people of Asian descent, particularly during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The term has long been condemned for its racist connotations. According to the Committee of 100, an organization dedicated to advancing the interests of the Chinese-American community, the term is harmful because it “groups all people of Asian descent into one group and portrays them as both weak and dangerous at the same time.”
Massarotti’s use of the slur quickly sparked outrage, with many taking to social media to express their disgust. One furious user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “You’re a f—ing joke @TonyMassarotti. Using slurs in general is bad, but dropping one on live television and radio? Eat a pile of s—.”
Another comment targeted Massarotti’s age and generation, noting, “Tony is 56 years old, making him part of Generation X. I looked it up. X must stand for Xenophobe, in his case. Even if it’s somehow just subconsciously… I cannot say I’m slightly surprised.”
Some listeners, while condemning the comment, suggested that Massarotti might not have intended for it to be used as a racial slur but still criticized him for his carelessness. “Think Mazz clearly didn’t mean this as a racial slur, but still, to be incompetent enough where you say this live on the air accidentally or not is baffling,” one user wrote.
RELATED: Jerry Jones Gives Unusual Explanation for Shouting During Intense Radio Interview
As of yet, 95.5 The Sports Hub has not released an official comment, and Massarotti has remained silent on the matter.
This isn’t the first time Massarotti has found himself in hot water over racially insensitive remarks. In 2023, he was suspended without pay following an incident in which he made offensive comments during a broadcast. At the time, Felger was participating remotely from a New Orleans hotel, with two Black men seated behind him in the background. Referring to the men, Massarotti quipped, “I wanna know now who the two guys behind you are… They can’t hear us, right? OK, so I would be careful if I were you. Because the last time you were around a couple of guys like that, they stole your car.”
Massarotti’s comments during that broadcast were met with widespread condemnation, prompting him to issue a public apology. “Late in the show on Friday, I made some comments that angered and upset some people, and rightfully so,” Massarotti said at the time. “I wish I could take them back. I can’t. They were insensitive, they were hurtful, and frankly, they hurt the cause for those of us who believe in racial and social equality, and I do.”
Despite his previous apology, Massarotti’s latest on-air slip has reopened wounds, with listeners questioning whether he has learned from past mistakes. Many are now calling for further disciplinary action, with some even suggesting his permanent removal from the show.
Massarotti’s long-standing presence in Boston sports media, including his previous role as a columnist for the Boston Herald and his position at The Sports Hub since 2009, has made him a household name in the area. However, his recent string of racially charged incidents is casting a shadow over his career.
As the fallout from Wednesday’s comments continues, it remains to be seen how both Massarotti and The Sports Hub will respond to the latest controversy.
