Jay Leno has issued an apology for on-air remarks to Ryan Phillippe that upset gay activists.

"In talking about Ryan's first role, I realize that what I said came out wrong," Leno tells PEOPLE. "I certainly didn't mean any malice. I agree it was a dumb thing to say, and I apologize."

Last week, while talking with Phillippe, Leno, 57, said to the actor, "Can you give me, like – say that camera is your gay lover ..." (Phillippe's first role was as a gay character on a soap opera).

"Can you give me your 'gayest look?' "

"Wow," replied Phillippe, 33. "That is so something I don't want to do."