Empire State Building owner 'saddened' by controversy

Steadfast in defending his decision not to light the Empire State Building to honor Mother Teresa, the owner of the landmark building Anthony Malkin said Friday that he was "saddened by the hateful words" the controversy created.

"We are saddened by the hateful words and messages being generated both for and against lighting for Mother Teresa's 100th birthday," according to an unsigned statement released on his website.

The statement was posted after Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the City Council countered the Empire State Building's rejection by asking all New Yorkers to honor the humanitarian Catholic nun by marking her birthday as a day of service and volunteer at local charities.

In response, the Malkin statement said: "We surely wish that the emotions of those in favor be directed toward good actions of community service in the spirit of their views, and that those who are against be dignified and respectful in their dialogue."

The three-paragraph statement further explained its policy that it does not accept lighting requests for religious figures and from religious organizations. It said that the Empire State Building recognizes key milestones, events, charitable organizations, countries and holidays throughout the world, not political or religion related events."

Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, is planning a demonstration at the Empire State Building on Aug. 26. Mother Teresa, who died in 1997, would have been 100 years old on Aug. 26.

Recognized for aiding the poor and sick, Mother Teresa is a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Nobel Peace Prize.