Dennis Rodman has angrily defended his visit to North Korea, ahead of a basketball game to mark leader Kim Jong-un’s birthday.
In an interview with CNN, Rodman was asked if he would raise the issue of a US citizen jailed in North Korea.
The former NBA player responded with a rant that at one point appeared to point blame at the man, Kenneth Bae.
Rodman’s visit has been criticised by rights groups, with Washington making it clear he does not represent the US.
His team of former National Basketball Association (NBA) players will take on a North Korean team in an exhibition match later on Wednesday in Pyongyang.
Rodman says the match is to celebrate Kim Jong-un’s birthday, although his official birthday and age have not been confirmed.
It comes weeks after the execution of Mr Kim’s uncle, Chang Song-thaek, once seen as a major power in North Korea. His rapid and brutal purge has sparked concern over stability inside the country.
Meanwhile, state news agency KCNA has announced that elections for North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament will be held on 9 March – something which could provide a hint of who the key players are in the wake of Mr Chang’s execution.
This visit is Dennis Rodman’s fourth to North Korea. He has in the past described Mr Kim as a friend and says he is on a “basketball diplomacy” mission. He remains the highest-profile American to have met the young leader.
Source-BBC
