Early last month, Liam Neeson caused outrage when he made comments about wanting to “murder a random black man” following the rape of his friend 40 years ago.
Neeson stated that he walked the street with a weapon hoping to be provoked by a black man in order for him to take his anger out on them and as a result, kill them.
He later went on to say he was “not racist” and had hoped to start a wider conversation about racism. Yesterday he came forward issuing a new apology.
Liam said, “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 weaponised and an entire community of innocent people are targeted in acts of rage. What I failed to realise 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 recognise that, although the comments I made do not reflect, in any way, my true feelings nor me, they were hurtful and divisive. I profoundly apologise.”
You can read all about the Hollywood actor’s controversial interview right here on GRM Daily in our opinion feature piece on whether we should cancel Liam Neeson.