Welp, here's one weird (and ill-advised) way to get press for a film. While promoting his role in the new drama Green Book, actor Viggo Mortensen dropped the N-word at a press conference.
The Oscar season film, which sees Mortensen play a chauffeur tasked with driving Mahershala Ali's character around, was directed by Peter Farrelly (of There's Something About Mary fame).
While discussing the racism on display in the film, Mortensen said times have changed somewhat. "For instance, no one says n***** anymore," he reportedly said.
Director Dick Schulz was at the screening, and said the quote created an awkward atmosphere:
Mortensen has since apologized, making the following statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
In making the point that many people casually used the 'N' word at the time in which the movie's story takes place, in 1962, I used the full word. Although my intention was to speak strongly against racism, I have no right to even imagine the hurt that is caused by hearing that word in any context, especially from a white man. I do not use the word in private or in public. I am very sorry that I did use the full word last night, and will not utter it again.
One of the reasons I accepted the challenge of working on Peter Farrelly's movie Green Book was to expose ignorance and prejudice in the hope that our movie's story might help in some way to change people's views and feelings regarding racial issues. It is a beautiful, profound movie story that I am very proud to be a part of.
The Oscar season film, which sees Mortensen play a chauffeur tasked with driving Mahershala Ali's character around, was directed by Peter Farrelly (of There's Something About Mary fame).
While discussing the racism on display in the film, Mortensen said times have changed somewhat. "For instance, no one says n***** anymore," he reportedly said.
Director Dick Schulz was at the screening, and said the quote created an awkward atmosphere:
Was at a screening for #GreenBook—the movie is amazing, but at the Q&A after Viggo Mortensen just dropped the N Word and the oxygen immediately left the room. #movies
— Dick W. Schulz (@DickSchulz) November 8, 2018
Mortensen has since apologized, making the following statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
In making the point that many people casually used the 'N' word at the time in which the movie's story takes place, in 1962, I used the full word. Although my intention was to speak strongly against racism, I have no right to even imagine the hurt that is caused by hearing that word in any context, especially from a white man. I do not use the word in private or in public. I am very sorry that I did use the full word last night, and will not utter it again.
One of the reasons I accepted the challenge of working on Peter Farrelly's movie Green Book was to expose ignorance and prejudice in the hope that our movie's story might help in some way to change people's views and feelings regarding racial issues. It is a beautiful, profound movie story that I am very proud to be a part of.
