“Guardians Of The Galaxy” Director James Gunn Was Fired For Offensive Tweets
Much like a cubic zirconium, the internet is forever. Unless there is some sort of electromagnetic pulse extinction event, that ass up pic you drunkenly sent the guy you were dating in 2005 is eventually going to rear its ugly head. Hopefully not in your future son’s spank bank. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 writer/director James Gunn has learned this lesson the hard way. Disney has fired him from helming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 after some messy tweets of his from 2007 surfaced.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, conservative website The Daily Caller reported on a bunch of old tweets from James that weren’t a good look for him. (James has been a big critic of the POTUS, so there’s some context for you.)
The majority of them were “edgy” jokes about pedophilia and rape. You know, the kind of sick jokes you might make with your besties, but probably wouldn’t use as social media posts if you’re looking for a career in showbiz, or politics, or early childhood education. Conservatives began urging followers to confront James during a scheduled appearance at San Diego Comic-Con. James didn’t show.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn struck quickly.
“The offensive attitudes and statements discovered on James’ Twitter feed are indefensible and inconsistent with our studio’s values, and we have severed our business relationship with him.”
James, who was currently in the middle of writing GOTG Vol.3, released a statement saying that he understood Disney’s decision, but noted that he’s changed a lot since his Twitter comedian days.
“My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative. I have regretted them for many years since — not just because they were stupid, not at all funny, wildly insensitive, and certainly not provocative like I had hoped, but also because they don’t reflect the person I am today or have been for some time.
Regardless of how much time has passed, I understand and accept the business decisions taken today. Even these many years later, I take full responsibility for the way I conducted myself then. All I can do now, beyond offering my sincere and heartfelt regret, is to be the best human being I can be: accepting, understanding, committed to equality, and far more thoughtful about my public statements and my obligations to our public discourse. To everyone inside my industry and beyond, I again offer my deepest apologies. Love to all.”
GOTG cast member Dave Bautista defended James on Twitter.
I will have more to say but for right now all I will say is this..@JamesGunn is one of the most loving,caring,good natured people I have ever met. He’s gentle and kind and cares deeply for people and animals. He’s made mistakes. We all have. Im NOT ok with what’s happening to him
— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) July 21, 2018
Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the more popular franchises in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is chiefly known for revealing Chris Pratt’s transformation from dad bod to hot rod.
So, yeah, never send anything out that you wouldn’t want the whole world to read. And definitely, DO NOT share any illicit photos of yourself that could jeopardize your career. If Michael K ever sees that one pic of me wearing Crocs, I’m a goner.
Pic: WENN