Director James Gunn took some heat Thursday after The Daily Caller News Foundation revealed that he had blogged and tweeted — and then deleted — a number of statements that appeared to be homophobic, racist and even pro-pedophilia.
Gunn tweeted his explanation and apology late Thursday evening.
1. Many people who have followed my career know when I started, I viewed myself as a provocateur, making movies and telling jokes that were outrageous and taboo. As I have discussed publicly many times, as I’ve developed as a person, so has my work and my humor.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 20, 2018
2. It’s not to say I’m better, but I am very, very different than I was a few years ago; today I try to root my work in love and connection and less in anger. My days saying something just because it’s shocking and trying to get a reaction are over.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 20, 2018
3. In the past, I have apologized for humor of mine that hurt people. I truly felt sorry and meant every word of my apologies.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 20, 2018
4. For the record, when I made these shocking jokes, I wasn’t living them out. I know this is a weird statement to make, and seems obvious, but, still, here I am, saying it.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 20, 2018
5. Anyway, that’s the completely honest truth: I used to make a lot of offensive jokes. I don’t anymore. I don’t blame my past self for this, but I like myself more and feel like a more full human being and creator today. Love you to you all.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) July 20, 2018
Claiming that he has grown over time and doesn’t make that type of offensive joke anymore, Gunn said that he no longer feels like saying something “just because it’s shocking and trying to get a reaction” is an acceptable way to express himself. (RELATED: After Attacking Conservatives, Disney Filmmaker’s Tweets Reveal Racism, Homophobia And Assault Against Children)
However, the timing of this particular situation could prove to be problematic for Gunn — and for Marvel and Disney, respectively. Gunn is scheduled to appear at San Diego Comic Con on Friday, and questions abound as to how that could pan out.
It’s still 3 am in California. Disney is for an interesting day, as is San Diego Comicon, where James Gunn is scheduled to speak this afternoon.
— Mike Cernovich (@Cernovich) July 20, 2018
Hollywood Director James Gunn @jamesgunn
Appearing TODAY
Should you wish to politely ask him questions to clarify the meaning of the Tweets in this thread, and others, related to child sex abuse6:15PM
Hall H
San Diego Convention Center
111 W Harbor Dr https://t.co/dicPc2ztmI— An Open Secret (@AnOpenSecret) July 20, 2018
Gunn is expected to reveal an upcoming project during his appearance.
Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn is presenting a mystery project at Comic-Con!
Could it be a Bloodborne movie? https://t.co/BzTccp5aQp pic.twitter.com/x0IikBhQVg
— Screen Rant (@screenrant) July 17, 2018