While watching a re-run of Seinfeld tonight, I noticed Jerry saying something that now takes on a whole new meaning in the 19 years since the episode’s airing.

While expressing regret about not talking back to a heckler, Jerry remarks:

“I should have let her have it. [But] I held back ’cause of Kramer.”

I iPhoned the clip – check it out: (Sorry for the crappy audio.)

You probably know what I’m talking about already. So while I won’t embed the video of Michael Richard’s infamous meltdown at a comedy club while confronting a heckler, I will embed his surreal apology on Letterman. Such an uncomfortable few minutes.

My favorite line from this clip:

“Don’t laugh. It’s not funny.”