“I acknowledge it has only inflamed attitudes”: Memento Star Guy Pearce Apologizes After Getting Blasted for Trans Actor Comment, Takes Down Tweet to Save Face
Guy Pearce is a phenomenal actor who has an impressive filmography record. His acting skills and talent is the envy of Hollywood and the star has accomplished a lot in his illustrious career. An intellectual, he often takes to social media and other forums to discuss various issues and engage in debate.
However, his latest foray into online discussion landed him in hot soup. He made comments that he later deleted and then as atonement, released a lengthy explanation for the same. His comments on the roles played by trans actors attracted fury and outrage.
Guy Pearce Apologizes After Making an Insensitive Comment on Twitter
Guy Pearce is in trouble. The actor has recently made a lengthy apology after tweeting about the roles for trans actors in Hollywood. The Time Machine star received major backlash for his controversial remark on transgender actors. In a now-deleted tweet, the actor had questioned the roles trans actors should play.
Pearce wrote on Twitter,
“A question — if the only people allowed to play trans characters are trans folk, then are we also suggesting the only people trans folk can play are trans characters? Surely that will limit your career as an actor? Isn’t the point of an actor being able to play anyone outside your own world?.”
The Brimstone actor was debating the roles available to trans actors and his tweet went viral. The actor began to receive criticism on the platform. Following that, he acknowledged the situation and issued a lengthy apology note. He wrote in his statement,
“I posted a tweet yesterday that I shouldn’t have, which to prevent upsetting anyone else I have now deleted. A fuller apology and explanation of the point I was raising is attached.”
He continued,
“I see that raising the question of gender identity within the casting process on a platform like Twitter was not a good idea. For that, I apologize, enormously. I acknowledge it has only stirred up and inflamed attitudes and made us all dig our heels in. I take responsibility for that and again, apologize for starting a fire.”
Guy Pearce stated that he understood how his question could be perceived as insensitive on social media platforms, but his intention was only to defend the definition of acting.
Fans React to Guy Pearce’s controversial Remark
The Australian actor Guy Pearce was criticized for questioning whether transgender actors should be allowed to play trans roles on screen. Pearce had himself played a drag queen in the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. As soon as he realized his remark had hurt many people, he issued a lengthy apology via Twitter in the form of a long letter.
Beginning his letter with an acknowledgment of the discomfort caused by his words, the actor said his intention was not to harm anyone. Read some of the tweets from fans in response to his apology.
Well at least now you see how this thing works. No questions allowed, especially not reasonable ones. Lie prostrate in the street and beg forgiveness – or else! And even if you apologise it won't be quite enough. All very normal and not at all totalitarian. 🙄
— Milli Hill (@millihill) March 29, 2023
Coward
— Gray Connolly (@GrayConnolly) March 29, 2023
I said that you would get cancelled for what you said. It’s disgusting. Let me tell you one thing… you should never be bullied into apologizing. It will get you nowhere. Never bend the knee.
— Matthew Marsden (@matthewdmarsden) March 29, 2023
This goes beyond simple acting. Trans people – as much as anyone – deserve visible representation. Until trans people receive the same rights and protection against violence and harassment as the rest of us, they deserve to represent themselves and their journey.
— Andreas 🪨 (@ahskogen) March 28, 2023
This episode should give pause to all. It should be a lesson to think before we speak, especially when dealing with sensitive matters. Empathy and understanding are what the world needs, we should all make an effort to be better.
Source: Variety
