Washington - Looking to send a strong message in the wake of the recent uproar involving radio personality Don Imus, XM Satellite Radio said that it has suspended popular shock jocks Opie & Anthony following comments made on their satellite radio show last week.

During a segment of the show that aired last Wednesday, a homeless man talked about raping Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elizabeth II and first lady Laura Bush.

Though hosts Gregg "Opie" Hughes and Anthony Cumia issued a public apology on Friday, XM said that comments made by the pair on Monday's broadcast "put into question whether they appreciate the seriousness of the matter."

With a 30-day suspension, XM said that it hopes to "make clear that our on-air talent must take seriously the responsibility that creative freedom requires of them."

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