LATEST: Funnyman Jerry Seinfeld has spoken out about pal MICHAEL RICHARDS' controversial racist rant, calling the comedy club incident a "horrible mistake".

Richards, who played quirky COSMO KRAMER opposite Seinfeld in cult sitcom SEINFELD, was caught on camera on Friday night (17NOV06) yelling racial slurs at two African-American hecklers, who interrupted his performance at Los Angeles club The Laugh Factory.

Richards has yet to comment about the controversy, but Seinfeld has been quick to speak on his friend's behalf.

He says, "I am sick over this. I'm sure Michael is also sick over this horrible, horrible mistake. It is so extremely offensive. I feel terrible for all the people who have been hurt."

Comedy fans stormed out of the Laugh Factory following Richards' rant, during which he called two audience members "n**gers" over and over again.

But, despite the controversy, Richards' show at the Laugh Factory the following night (18NOV06) went ahead as scheduled.