This Is the Unexpected Offense Chris Hemsworth Is Apologizing For
Chris Hemsworth, AKA Thor, might be known for his adorable antics with wife Elsa Pataky and low key hangs with his kiddos, but in late December of last year, he disappointed fans when he was seen in a group shot of people dressed up as Native Americans, an act many viewed as cultural appropriation at its worst.
The photo has since been removed, but it was up long enough for many to be offended, noting that Chris’s black wig and war paint, along with Elsa’s black headdress, were NOT cool, or appreciated. “Can’t put into words how wrong this is,” one user reportedly wrote at the time.
Though the incident occurred nearly a year ago, Chris is now stepping up to the plate to own up to his mistakes. Posting a photo to his page supporting the #NoDapl movement (which aims to stop a North Dakota pipeline from bulldozing its way through indigenous lands), Chris expressed his thoughts on the matter with this heartfelt message.
“Standing with those who are fighting to protect their sacred land and water. #nodapl #waterislife #mniwiconi,” he wrote. “I would also like to take this opportunity to raise something that has been bothering me for some time. Last New Year’s Eve I was at a “Lone Ranger” themed party where some of us, myself included, wore the traditional dress of the First Nations people. I was stupidly unaware of the offense this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologize to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action. I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing the indigenous communities. I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way.”
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Wow. We’ve gotta’ commend him ― it’s quite the apology. He might play a superhero on the silver screen, but IRL, Chris is a regular human, just like the rest of us, and apparently, even Thor makes mistakes.
Judging from the comments (“Appreciate your empathy and understanding with regard to these matters. Thank you for your support,” one person wrote, with others citing the post as “just another reason to love him”), fans are more than ready to forgive him.
Do you think Chris is sincere in his sentiments? Share over @BritandCo.
(h/t Bustle, photo via Kevin Winter/Getty)
