Gary Oldman has apologises for his defence of fellow actors Mel Gibson and Alec Baldwin in a recent Playboy interview, published on Wednesday (25th June). His comments about Gibson's use of anti-Semitic language have been condemned by fans and press worldwide. 

Gary OldmanGary Oldman at the Palm Springs Film Festival [Photo: Getty Images, credit: Charley Gallay]

Oldman attempted to argue the media and public response to anti-Semitic comments made by Gibson and homophobic ones made by Baldwin was an overreaction. He said "no one can take a joke anymore," explaining "I just think political correctness is cr*p." The 56-year-old was specifically asked about Gibson and attempted to excuse his use of offensive language by claiming those who criticised the actor later were simply 'hypocrites'. Oldman further claimed everyone, from the policeman who arrested Gibson to "some Jewish guy in his office", uses offensive language of some description. 

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It's incredible so many people are surprised about Oldman's bizarre comments as they did appear in Playboy, a magazine not exactly renowned for its political correctness or its attitude towards women. Nevertheless, understandably people were offended and Oldman has apologised publically twice. Once in a statement sent to the Anti-Defamation League and again on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

In his statement, issued on Wednesday, Oldman said "I am deeply remorseful that comments I recently made in the Playboy Interview were offensive to many Jewish people." Whilst on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (also aired on Wednesday), Oldman gave an emotional and sombre apology. He said it was only until after the article was written that he "could see that it was offensive, insensitive, pernicious and ill informed." 

Gary OldmanGary Oldman, with his camera [Photo: Getty Images, credit: Theo Wargo]

The Batman: Dark Knight Rises actor stated: "words have meaning, they carry weight and they carry on long after you've said them. And I don't condone or excuse the words I have used in any context. I basically shouldn't have used them in any context."

Oldman further thanked and apologised to his fans for their continued "loyalty", saying "I am profoundly sorry and deeply apologetic. Especially to the fans as they have been so incredible to me and very loyal." He added "I really feel I let them down, especially to the younger fans you know. I should be a public figure and an inspiration and I'm an a-hole. So to them I extend my apology and my love and best wishes."

However, as contrite as he appeared to be, Oldman did attempt to shift the blame on to the journalist who had conducted the interview. He suggested that the publication and society as a whole looked on entertainers to be "social and political commentators." He added "I can't speak for other people but I'm not clearly. I stepped out of my area of expertise and I just landed, both feet, in a hornet's nest."

If you can forgive Oldman's remarks, see him in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes out in cinemas on 11th July (US) and 17th July (UK). 

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