Fox News co-host Bob Beckel apologized Wednesday for remarks he made the day before regarding the rising number of rapes on college campuses, according to TV Guide.

On Tuesday's edition of Fox News' The Five, the topic of discussion was a proposal to ban concealed weapons on Colorado campuses. Beckel put forth the question "when was the last time you heard about a rape on campus?" to which co-host Eric Bolling responded, "What are you talking about? It's rampant."

Co-host Dana Perino added, "In particular, date rape on campus."

"Oh, it's rampant?" Beckel asked. "What are you going to take a gun out and shoot your date?"

The respective comment sparked a backlash from many viewers.

On Wednesday's show Beckel took the opportunity to clarify his stance on the issue, saying, "It's a horrible, horrendous issue. Simply put, rape is rape."

"Whether it's date rape or it's somebody coming in off the campus trying to rape somebody else. I very strongly feel that way," Beckel added. "So, I just want to straighten the record out on that. I simply was trying to make-there was not a distinction to make here."

The Department of Justice estimated in 2010 that 25 percent of college women "will be victims of rape or attempted rape before they graduate within a four-year college period." It also noted that women "between the ages of 16 to 24 will experience rape at a rate that's four times higher than the assault rate of all women."

Tags
Fox