Watson has repeatedly asserted that differences in average measured IQ between blacks and whites are due to genetics.[95][96][97] In early October 2007, he was interviewed by Charlotte Hunt-Grubbe at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL). He discussed his view that Africans are less intelligent than Westerners.[98][99][100] Watson said his intention was to promote science, not racism, but some UK venues canceled his appearances,[101] and he canceled the rest of his tour.[102][103][104][105] An editorial in Nature said that his remarks were "beyond the pale" but expressed a wish that the tour had not been canceled so that Watson would have had to face his critics in person, encouraging scientific discussion on the matter.[106] Because of the controversy, the Board of Trustees at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory suspended Watson's administrative responsibilities.[107] Watson issued an apology,[108] then retired at the age of 79 from CSHL from what the lab called "nearly 40 years of distinguished service".[60][109] Watson attributed his retirement to his age and to circumstances that he could never have anticipated or desired.[110][111][112]