Sam Elliott apologises for hurting the LGBTQ community with The Power of the Dog comments
The actor previously called out the film's "allusions to homosexuality" and came for director, Jane Campion.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Wiki and Netflix
The actor, Sam Elliott, has apologised for his comments on the queer cowboy-centered film, The Power of the Dog, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Last month the actor had a lot to say about the film’s “allusions to homosexuality” and criticised director Jane Campion for her take on cowboys as well as for filming the drama in New Zealand when it is set in 1920s rural Montana.
Elliott said Campion had likened cowboys to a group called the Chippendales, who he says used to wear in “bowties and not much else”.
“I can only say that I’m sorry”
Appearing on the WTF with Marc Maron podcast in March Elliott continued: “That’s what all these f***ing cowboys in that movie looked like. They’re all running around in chaps and no shirts, there’s all these allusions to homosexuality throughout the f****ing movie.”
He’s now backed down from these and other comments at a recent Deadline’s Contenders TV event.
After indicating regret for doing the podcast he said in regard to The Power of the Dog: “That movie struck a chord with me. And in trying to tell the guy, the WTF guy how I felt about the film I wasn’t very articulate about it. I didn’t articulate it very well.
Sam Elliott apologizes for his controversial comments he previously made about ‘The Power of the Dog’ #DeadlineContenders pic.twitter.com/XZ86wCAXmL
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) April 10, 2022
“And I said some things that hurt people. And I feel terrible about that,” Elliott continued. “The gay community has been incredible to me my entire career and I mean my entire career before I got started when I was in this town.”
“Friends on every level in every job description. Up until today with my agent, my dear friend, my agent of a number of years. And I’m sorry that I hurt any of those friends and someone that I loved. And anyone else by the words that I used.”
He also apologised to Campion and the film’s cast adding, “I can only say that I’m sorry. And I am, I am.”
Following Elliott’s initial comments Campion clapped back and said: “he was being a little bit of a B-I-T-C-H.”
Attitude’s new-look March/April issue is out now.
