The screenshot on April 9, 2015, shows that Bi Fujian, popular host of China Central Television, publishes a message on his weibo account to apologize for his improper remarks. [Photo: weibo.com]

Bi Fujian, popular host of China Central Television (CCTV), has apologized for his improper remarks about Chairman Mao Zedong on his weibo account.

The host published a message on his weibo saying, "I feel very sorry and sad that my words have caused serious bad social influence. I offer my sincere apology to the public. As a public figure, I will take the lesson, and will be strict with myself."

A video posted on Monday showed Bi Fujian parodying a song from a Peking opera at a private dinner, in which he made disparaging remarks about Mao Zedong, the founder of the Communist Party of China.

The video has caused heated debate online. Later CCTV announced that Bi will be suspended from broadcasting and the shows he hosts will be halted from airing from April 8 to 11.

Bi Fujian, who has been working for CCTV since 1989, is a nationally-recognized television host, namely for the show "Star Boulevard."