Rudy Giuliani made comments about Mexican immigrants during his speech at the Commercial Finance Association's 40 Under 40 dinner, attendees said. | Getty Report: Finance group apologizes for Giuliani speech

A major financial trade group has apologized for a speech Rudy Giuliani gave in which the former New York City mayor and Donald Trump adviser made pointed comments about Mexican immigrants.

At the Commercial Finance Association's "40 Under 40" dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York on Monday, Giuliani veered from a speech that was supposed to be about leadership to talk about immigration and terrorism, according to a New York Observer report published Friday.


The association's CEO wrote in an email sent to attendees that Giuliani "presented unscripted personal opinions which were independent of CFA’s political position or core values."

“While we, the event organizers, made every attempt to direct Mr. Giuliani’s remarks ahead of time to focus on leadership, for which he is renowned and has authored a book, there is always the possibility of such a surprise at a live event,” Bob Trojan wrote.

The note added: “For those of you who were offended by Mr. Giuliani’s remarks, please accept my sincere apology.”

Attendees told the Observer that Giuliani made comments about "Mexicans in the kitchen at the Waldorf" and that Mexicans are coming to the U.S. to work illegally in kitchens.

Immigration has been a major focus of the Trump campaign, with Giuliani supporting and going to bat numerous times for the GOP nominee's plans.

The apology came a day before Giuliani was nixed as the keynote speaker at this year's International Council of Shopping Centers’ New York National Deal Making Conference.

The Observer is part of the news media company owned by Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who has also acted as an adviser to the Republican nominee.