The actor, who sparked a huge controversy after saying he wanted to brutally hurt a random black man decades ago, apologized for his comments during an appearance on Good Morning America.
Earlier this week, 66-year-old Oscar-nominated actor, Liam Neeson revealed in an interview with The Independent - while promoting his film Cold Pursuit - that he wanted to “unleash physical violence” against a random “black” man after a close friend shared that she had been brutally raped almost 40 years ago. The Irish actor’s comments sparked outrage, especially in the African-American community.
However, recently Neeson apologized for his comments during an appearance on Good Morning America. The actor revealed that his comments were taken out of context. “I’m not racist,” he insisted while talking to Robin Roberts. “I never felt this before, which was a primal urge to lash out,” Neeson explained. “I asked her, ‘Did you know the person? It was a man? His race?’ She said he was a black man. I thought, ‘Ok.’ After that, there were some nights I went out deliberately into black areas in this city, looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence. I did it for maybe four or five times. It really shocked me, this primal urge I had. It shocked me and it hurt me. I did seek help. I went to a priest. I had two very good friends I talked to, and believe it or not — power walking — to get rid of this.”
The host went on to explain that people were upset because Neeson asked about the skin colour of the attacker, rather than other attributes like his height or weight, to which the actor responded, “I asked all those questions too. But I did ask about race.”
According to the actor, he would have had the same reaction if his friend said her rapist was a white man. “I know I would have had the same effect,” he said. “I was trying to show honor and stand up for my dear friend in this terrible, medieval fashion. I’m a fairly intelligent guy and that’s why it shocked me when I came down to earth after having these horrible feelings. Luckily, no violence occurred ever.”
In the wake of the actor’s racially charged comments, the red carpet for the New York City premiere of Liam Neeson’s latest film, Cold Pursuit was canceled [this week]. Lionsgate Studio had no comment but sources said that the studio decided to pull the plug on the carpet due to his racist remarks. Recent reports suggest that Lionsgate will launch Cold Pursuit in about 2,500 North American locations on Friday, February 8. Liam Neeson essays the role of a snowplow driver in Colorado, who seeks revenge when his son is murdered under mysterious circumstances. The film is a remake of the 2014 Norwegian film, In Order of Disappearance.
-With information from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
