Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner Apologize for Calling Black Widow a 'Slut' in 'Avengers' Interview
Following online outcry, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner have apologized for comments made during a promotional interview for Avengers: Age of Ultron in which they described co-star Scarlet Johannson’s character a “slut” and “whore.”
Both actors issued statements Thursday morning via representatives. Evans’ statement reads, “Yesterday we were asked about the rumors that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with both Hawkeye and Captain America. We answered in a very juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans. I regret it and sincerely apologize.”
Renner, meanwhile, specifically mentioned the pressure of the promotional tour in explaining the problematic comments. “I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone,” his statement reads. “It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour.”
The actors’ comments came in response to a question about fans’ linking Black Widow romantically with characters including Hawkeye, Captain America and the Hulk during an interview with Digital Spy (Watch the video above.) “She’s a slut,” Renner said, prompting Evans to add, “I was going to say something along that line, she’s a complete whore… She’ll flirt with anybody… leading everybody on.”
Online reaction to the interview has been divided between those upset at the use of the slurs and those defending the actors by arguing that they were clearly joking. The joke has already been made that the conflict has provoked its’ own Civil War, a year before the third Captain America movie which bears that subtitle is released.
