After nearly two months of public outcry, Liam Neeson issued an updated apology Friday for the “impulsive” and “unacceptable” revenge revelation he shared during an interview with The Independent.
“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 Oscar-nominated actor said, according to Variety.
“The horror of what happened to my friend ignited irrational thoughts that do not represent the person I am," he said. "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
In February, while promoting his most recent film, Cold Pursuit, the actor told the British publication that he once actively searched for “some black bastard” to kill after discovering his friend had been raped.
The following day, while on Good Morning America, the Taken star said his reaction was primal and violent, but not racist. Regardless of the race of the assailant, he felt as though he’d still roam the streets with a crowbar ready to incite violence.
The international backlash that followed his remorseful disclosure and comments on Good Morning America resulted in the cancellation of the red carpet premiere of Cold Pursuit.