A financial services group apologized to its guests after Rudy Giuliani delivered a speech at an event that focused on politics and reportedly included a racial remark about Mexicans, the New York Observer reported Friday.

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Bob Trojan, CEO of the Commercial Finance Association (CFA), on Monday sent an email to its members apologizing for the off-topic remarks that the former New York City mayor and Trump campaign adviser included in his speech at the group’s “40 Under 40” dinner.

“At CFA’s 40 Under 40 Awards last Thursday night, keynote speaker Rudolph Giuliani veered sharply off course from the leadership message he agreed to deliver and presented unscripted personal opinions which were independent of CFA’s political position or core values,” Trojan wrote in the email, which was obtained by the Observer.

“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.”

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

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One attendee at the event told the Observer that Giuliani had made an off-putting racial remark about the kitchen staff at the Waldorf Astoria, the tony New York hotel where the event was held, that “shocked” the crowd.

“Rudy talked about immigration and made a really, really inappropriate comment about the quote-unquote Mexicans in the kitchen at the Waldorf,” said the unidentified attendee. “It was bad. You could hear a pin drop. I think he was looking for applause.”

Another audience member confirmed to the Observer that Giuliani had made a remark about Mexicans.

“CFA abhors discrimination of any kind whether it is focused on race, age or gender,” Trojan wrote in the email. “We are a nonpartisan organization with relationships spanning both sides of the aisle, which is vital to ensure that our positions are understood no matter which party is in office. These beliefs and approaches will never change.

“You participated in our 40 Under 40 Awards because you support CFA’s effort to attract and retain the next generation of talent by illuminating and celebrating their achievements. You want to encourage young people, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender or religious belief to embrace our industry.”