Liam Neeson was under fire earlier this year after an interview with The Independent published where he admitted that he tried to find a "black bastard" to attack because his friend was raped by a Black male. It's unsure why he decided to admit this during a press run for his film but clearly, he made his PR team work for their bucks. Although many tried to "cancel" the actor, he insisted that he isn't a racist and that he felt remorse for his actions. Now, nearly two months after the initial comments, he's issued a formal apology.
Liam Neeson issued a statement via Deadline over the retelling of his strange racist revenge fantasy, explaining that the story isn't a reflection of the person he is today. He admitted that the thoughts at the time were irrational and he realized that the things he said were hurtful after the fact.
"Over the last several weeks, I have reflected on and spoken to a variety of people who were hurt by my impulsive recounting of a brutal rape of a dear female friend nearly 40 years ago and my unacceptable thoughts and actions at that time in response to this crime. The horror of what happened to my friend ignited irrational thoughts that do not represent the person I am. In trying to explain those feelings today, I missed the point and hurt many people at a time when language is so often weaponized and an entire community of innocent people are targeted in acts of rage. What I failed to realize is that this is not about justifying my anger all those years ago, it is also about the impact my words have today. I was wrong to do what I did. I recognize that, although the comments I made do not reflect, in any way, my true feelings nor me, they were hurtful and divisive. I profoundly apologize.”
Despite the controversy from his initial remarks, he was met with both support and opposition from industry peers. Terry Crews showed him support and Michelle Williams suggested that it's impossible for Neeson to be racist because he kissed Viola Davis in a film...
