Brett Ratner made the insensitive remark at a Q&A session with fans
Brett Ratner has issued a fresh apology to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community for using a homophobic slur during a recent media event.
The director expressed his remorse after coming under fire for the insensitive remark made at a movie question-and-answer session with fans last week, but he didn't stop there - as a result of the uproar the inappropriate comment caused, he decided to resign as co-producer of the 84th annual Academy Awards on Tuesday.
The filmmaker is now attempting to smooth over relations with members of the LGBT community by apologising once again and vowing to make amends.
In his new statement, Ratner admits the criticism he's received for his ill-advised comment has been tough to take, but he can't imagine how bad it must be for those being bullied and taunted over their sexuality.
He says: "(I've received a) well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said... To them, and to everyone I've hurt and offended, I'd like to apologise publicly and unreservedly.
"As difficult as the last few days have been for me, they cannot compare to the experience of any young man or woman who has been the target of offensive slurs or derogatory comments. And they pale in comparison to what any gay, lesbian, or transgender individual must deal with as they confront the many inequalities that continue to plague our world."
Ratner insists he has learned his lesson and he's planning to show he's truly sorry by doing his bit to help the ongoing campaign against gay bullying.
He continues: "I should have known this all along, but at least I know it now: words do matter. Having love in your heart doesn't count for much if what comes out of your mouth is ugly and bigoted. With this in mind, and to all those who understandably feel that apologies are not enough, please know that I will be taking real action over the coming weeks and months in an effort to do everything I can both professionally and personally to help stamp out the kind of thoughtless bigotry I've so foolishly perpetuated."
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