Neeson apologises again for comments

Liam Neeson says he's had time to reflect on his comments. Photo: AP
Liam Neeson says he's had time to reflect on his comments. Photo: AP

Actor Liam Neeson is again apologising for revealing that he wanted to kill a random black person nearly 40 years ago after a close friend had been raped by a black man.

Neeson issued a statement on Friday saying he regretted "hurtful and divisive" comments that "do not reflect, in any way, my true feelings nor me."

The Northern Irish actor caused a firestorm in early February when he told The Independent that after learning his friend's attacker was black, he hoped a black person "would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him."

He later told Good Morning America that he is not a racist and moved past his desire for violence after seeking help from a priest and from friends. But the controversy overshadowed his new film, Cold Pursuit.

In his latest statement, Neeson said he has had time to reflect on "my unacceptable thoughts and actions at that time."

In trying to explain his feelings, he said he "missed the point and hurt many people." He ended the 155-word statement by saying: "I profoundly apologise."