Anthony Mackie says he’s a “proud American” after going through backlash for a viral remark.
The Marvel star is presently selling “Captain America: Brave New World,” his first full outing because the titular superhero after Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) bestowed the long-lasting protect upon him in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.”
On Tuesday, nevertheless, Mackie made a comment that didn’t go over nicely.
“To me, Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” he stated onstage in Rome, per a clip on social media. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity.”
“Someone who is trustworthy and dependable,” Mackie continued on the time.
The remark, extensively shared in footage that doesn’t embrace the query Mackie was requested, prompted the necessity for some instant harm management.
“Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime,” the actor wrote Tuesday night in an Instagram Story. “I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country.”
“CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to,” he continued.
Paras Griffin by way of Getty Photographs
Mackie’s preliminary remark was presumably a criticism of President Donald Trump as an alternative of the U.S. as a complete; the actor beforehand instructed HipHollywood forward of the 2016 presidential election that “there’s a dumbing down of American politics on the Republican side.”
He additionally shared a picture of himself as Captain America on Instagram in November to rejoice the armed forces and wrote: “Happy Veterans Day America. To all of our men and women in uniform, thank you for your service and sacrifice!”
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Mackie’s touch upon Tuesday nonetheless sparked backlash from right-wing commenters who slammed him as “woke.” Some made the racist suggestion that Mackie was solely solid attributable to federal variety, fairness and inclusion initiatives — which Trump is presently attacking.
“Captain America: Brave New World” hits theaters Feb. 14.
