THE STUDIO behind Liam Neeson’s upcoming revenge film reportedly axed the red carpet for its New York premiere on Tuesday.
It follows comments made by the actor to the Independent, while promoting Cold Pursuit, that he wanted to kill a ‘black b*****d’ after a person close to him was brutally raped.
Lionsgate has made no comment on the decision to pull the red carpet, however Variety reports that sources claim it is linked to his comments.
In the original interview with the Independent, Neeson expressed his shame over the thoughts he experienced in the wake of the incident more than 40 years ago.
“It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that,” he said.
He has since appeared on Good Morning America to clarify his comments.
Footballer John Barnes, who was subjected to racial abuse during his career, has come out in support of Neeson.
He urged people to examine all of Neeson’s comments and not take them out of context and accused the media of spinning the story.
"Now, what he actually went on to say is that he was ashamed and horrified by the way he felt, yes?” said Barnes.
“He’s not ashamed and horrified he wanted to commit the act of revenge, he’s ashamed and horrified that that was what he thought about all black people.”
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