Mark Duplass deleted his tweet praising Ben Shapiro and apologized Thursday after encouraging people to follow the conservative commentator because he was a “genuine person.”
“So that tweet was a disaster on many levels. I want to be clear that I in no way endorse hatred, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, or any such form of intolerance,” the 41-year-old actor tweeted. “My goal has always been to spread unity, understanding and kindness.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – APRIL 12: Mark Duplass celebrates achievements in LGBTQ community at the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles, in partnership with LGBTQ ally, Ketel One Family-Made Vodka at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 12, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by John Sciulli/Getty Images for Ketel One Family-Made Vodka)
“But I am going to make mistakes along the way,” he added. “Sometimes I move too quickly when I get excited or fail to do enough research or I don’t communicate myself clearly.”
— Mark Duplass (@MarkDuplass) July 19, 2018
“I’m really sorry,” he continued. “I now understand that I have to be more diligent and careful. I’m working on that. But, I do believe deeply in bi-partisan understanding and I will continue to do my best to promote peace and decency in the world right now.”
“That being said, I hear you. I want to say thank you to those who reached out with constructive criticism,” the “Creep” star shared. “I have genuinely learned so much and wish everyone all the best.”
Shapiro saw the post and responded, “So in 24 hours I apparently went from being a person with good intentions to a racist sexist bigot. Twitter toxifies any attempt to cross the aisle. There’s no conservative Mark could have recommended who wouldn’t receive the same blowback.”
So in 24 hours I apparently went from being a person with good intentions to a racist sexist bigot. Twitter toxifies any attempt to cross the aisle. There’s no conservative Mark could have recommended who wouldn’t receive the same blowback. https://t.co/JEizw69eFH
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) July 19, 2018
In the since-deleted post, Duplass wrote, “Fellow liberals: If you are interested at all in ‘crossing the aisle’ you should consider following @BenShapiro. I don’t agree with him on much but he’s a genuine person who once helped me for no other reason than to be nice. He doesn’t bend the truth. His intentions are good.”
Shapiro later called on conservatives in another tweet to follow several liberal political figures, using Duplass’ exact words: “Fellow conservative: If you are interested at all in ‘crossing the aisle’ you should consider following @cjane87, @samharrisorg, and @BretWeinstein. I don’t agree with them on much but getting outside the echo chamber with data-driven people engaging in conversation is useful.”
Fellow conservative: If you are interested at all in ‘crossing the aisle’ you should consider following @cjane87, @samharrisorg, and @BretWeinstein. I don’t agree with them on much but getting outside the echo chamber with data-driven people engaging in conversation is useful.
— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) July 19, 2018