Harry Connick Jr. says he was “shocked” to see the use of blackface during a performance on Australian variety show Hey Hey It’s Saturday — which he guest judged on Wednesday night — but the musician does not believe the performers intended to offend the audience.

On last night’s show, four doctors dubbed The Jackson Jive performed in blackface with afro wigs singing and dancing behind a Michael Jackson impersonator wearing white makeup. Connick gave the group a zero score and said if he had known about the skit he would “definitely not have appeared on the show.”

“Hi Everyone, I am in Australia now promoting my new CD and I never imagined this trip would have so much controversy. I’ve visited Australia now for over twenty years. I love the Australian people. I particularly admire the Australians’ love of life and their ability to laugh at themselves. Those of you who have seen my shows or seen me in several comedic skits on TV, know that I have absolutely no problem with comedic sendups or making fun of myself or others,” the crooner wrote in a message to fans on his website Thursday.

“I have watched the media storm that has erupted over my reaction to the Hey Hey blackface skit. Where I come from, blackface is a very specific and very derogatory thing. Perhaps this is different in other parts of the world, but in the American culture, the blackface image is steeped in a negative history and considered offensive,” Connick Jr. continued. “I urge everyone in the media to take a look at the history of blackface to fully understand why it is considered offensive. I also urge you to review the Hey Hey tape and you will see that I did not ascribe any motives to anyone, nor did I call anyone a racist. The blackface skit was a surprise to me and I was simply shocked to see this on TV. I do not believe that the performers intended any harm,” he added.

“I appreciate the folks who have written in support but please know that I allow everyone their own opinions and can only speak for myself.”

Following the performance, Hey Hey It’s Saturday host Daryl Somers apologized to the jazz musician for the offensive act.

“I know that to your countrymen, that’s an insult to have a blackface routine like that on the show, so I do apologize to you.”