Actor Liam Neeson on Friday issued an apology for according to him was an “impulsive recounting” last month of an incident 40 years ago when he wanted to kill a black man in response to the rape of a friend. His remarks last year had created furor on social media as fans dissed the star for making such racist comments. In a statement released by the actor, he profoundly apologized for his statements after stating that he took a couple of weeks to reflect on them. His statement reads, "Over the last several weeks, I have reflected on and spoken to a variety of people who were hurt by my impulsive recounting of a brutal rape of a dear female friend nearly 40 years ago and my unacceptable thoughts and actions at that time in response to this crime."

The actor's statements came as a relief to many who were highly surprised by the racial remarks he had previously made. For the uninitiated, it all started when Neeson recalled an incident in which he wanted to kill “some black bastard” upon learning that his close friend was brutally raped over 40 years ago. Hollywood Actor Liam Neeson Battles Racism Charge after Controversial Interview.

The Cold Pursuit actor in his freshly released statement, further added "The horror of what happened to my friend ignited irrational thoughts that do not represent the person I am. In trying to explain those feelings today, I missed the point and hurt many people at a time when language is so often weaponized and an entire community of innocent people are targeted in acts of rage. What I failed to realize is that this is not about justifying my anger all those years ago, it is also about the impact my words have today. I was wrong to do what I did. I recognize that, although the comments I made do not reflect, in any way, my true feelings nor me, they were hurtful and divisive. I profoundly apologize.”

On the work front, Neeson will next appear alongside Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson in the Men In Black reboot Men In Black: International.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 30, 2019 05:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).