The Flash star Grant Gustin has broken his silence as co-star Hartley Sawyer was fired from the show after a series of racist and misogynistic tweets resurfaced.
Hartley, who played Ralph Dibney/The Elongated Man on The CW superhero series, was axed from the show in response to the tweets, which he has now apologised for.
Reposting the statement made by showrunner Eric Wallace, throwing his support behind Black Lives Matter, Grant – who plays the title character on the show – has now spoken out too.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘I don’t have much to add because Eric’s thoughts are stated so eloquently and powerfully.
‘I will say I was shocked, saddened, and angry when I saw the tweets. Words matter.’
The full statement from Eric Wallace read: ‘This morning, many of you learned that Hartley Sawyer will not be returning for season seven of The Flash.
‘Concerning his social media tweets, they broke my heart and made me mad as hell. And they’re indicative of the larger problem in our country.
‘Because at present, our country still accepts and protects the continual harassment – unconscious or otherwise – terrorising and brutalising of Black and Brown people, which is far too often fatal.’
‘That’s why our country is standing up once again and shouting, “ENOUGH!” and taking to the streets to bring about active change,’ the show boss continued.
He added a vow to change the work environment on the show to ensure it was more inclusive, including the hiring of a more diverse cast, writing team and directing team.
Hartley has also addressed the issue, and said in his apology: ‘My words, irrelevant of being meant with an intent of humour, were hurtful, and unacceptable. I am ashamed I was capable of these really horrible attempts to get attention at that time,’ he explained.
‘I regret them deeply. This was not acceptable behaviour. These were words I threw out at the time with no thought or recognition of the harm my words could do, and now have done today.’
He added: ‘I am incredibly sorry, ashamed and disappointed in myself for my ignorance back then. I want to be very clear: this is not reflective of what I think or who I am now.
‘Years ago, thanks to friends and experiences who helped me to open my eyes, I began my journey into becoming a more responsible adult – in terms of what I say, what I do, and beyond.
‘I’ve largely kept that journey private, and this is another way that I have let so many down. I still have more work to do.
‘But how I define myself now does not take away the impact of my words or my responsibility for them. I am very sorry.’
The Flash airs on E4 in the UK and The CW in the US.
Got A Story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
0 Commentaires