Sam Elliott apologizes for hurtful comments | Stars

entertainment">In an earlier podcast interview, Elliott called director Jane Campion’s film “a poor performance of an American western film” and felt that many farmhands in the film were portrayed as “shirtless Chippendales.” He was also unhappy about the fact that Campion shot the film in her own country of New Zealand, but made it seem like the American state of Montana. The Chippendales comment in particular came across as homophobic to many.

entertainment">“I didn’t express that well and I hurt people with my words and I think that’s terrible. The gay community has always been wonderful to me throughout my career, even before I started in Los Angeles. I have friends from all walks of life in this business and I’m sorry if I hurt them. And everyone I don’t know who felt hurt,” Elliott said.

‘Brilliant director’

entertainment">He continues: “I also said on that podcast that I think Jane Campion is a brilliant director and I would like to apologize to the cast of The Power Of The Dog, which is made up of brilliant actors. And in particular Benedict Cumberbatch. All I can say is I’m sorry. And I’m really sorry.”

entertainment">Campion reacted sharply at the time to the negative words that Elliott had for her film. “It’s a shame that he reacts like that, because it comes across as very sexist and homophobic. I don’t like that and think he acted like a little bitch.” The New Zealand director has not yet responded to Elliott’s apology.

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