Director apologises for Jennifer Lawrence slavery gaffe

Posted on Jan 14 2014 - 9:52am by Anne Smith

David O Russell has apologised after making light of slavery when discussing actress Jennifer Lawrence.

The director of American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook made the ill-advised joke when saying that the Oscar-winning actress is over-worked when it comes to her Hunger Games promotional schedule.

“I personally think they should give her a bit of breathing room over there because they’re printing money,” he was quoted as saying last week.

Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle (Studio Still)

Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle (Studio Still)

“But she’s a very alive person. I’ll tell you what it is about that girl – talk about 12 years of slavery, that’s what the franchise is. I’m going to get in so much trouble for saying that.”

 

He was referring to 12 Years A Slave, the critically lauded movie that shows Chiwetel Ejiofor as a real-life slave in the 19th century.

In a statement, Russell has apologised – saying:

“Clearly, I used a stupid analogy in a poor attempt at humour. I realised it the minute I said it and I’m truly sorry.”

About the Author

Leave A Response