Liam Neeson's “Cold Pursuit” NYC red carpet event was canceled Tuesday amid an outcry over revelations he made in a recent interview.
Just hours before Liam Neeson was set to take to the red carpet in New York City for the 'Cold Pursuit' premiere, organizers said there would no longer be interviews and photo opportunities to promote the movie.
The screening for 'Cold Pursuit,' however, went ahead.
The Irish actor sparked controversy after revealing he once went in search for revenge on a random "black man" following the brutal rape of a close friend some 40 years ago.
Read more: The Liam Neeson lynch mob has got the wrong man
The actor said he had walked the streets armed with a weapon, hoping he would be approached by someone so that he could kill them.
Neeson told the Independent he armed himself with a cosh weapon, hoping someone "would have a go" at him so he could kill them, but he quickly felt ashamed by his behavior and sought help from a priest.
Liam Neeson's new movie "Cold Pursuit" has the theme of revenge at its core.
The Oscar-nominated actor was discussing the incident within the context of his latest film which has the theme of revenge at its core.
Since the interview was released Neeson has been both berated and praised online by the public, with many on Twitter claiming that the “Taken” star is racist.
Others like ex England and Liverpool footballer John Barnes publicly defended Neeson claiming he “deserves a medal” for being honest and admitting what he felt in the past.
The Oscar-nominated actor spoke to ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Tuesday morning, the day after his Independent interview, to further discuss the story, telling viewers, "I'm not racist."
The 66-year-old actor also spoke about how ashamed he is at his behavior at the time.
Read More: Liam Neeson speaks out on his urge to kill a “Black man” after friend’s rape
In the initial interview, with the Independent, the County Antrim Hollywood star said:
“I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I’d be approached by somebody — I’m ashamed to say that — and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some … ‘black bastard’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could … kill him.
What do you make of organizers canceling the movies red carpet? Let us know in the comments section below.
Comments