The Power of the Dog was one of the most acclaimed movies of 2021 — Jane Campion even won the Oscar for Best Director for it. Kirsty Griffin / Netflix / courtesy Everett Collection
Actor Sam Elliott — whose storied career includes performances in many Western-themed films — made headlines last month for his controversial comments calling the film “a piece of shit” on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast.
Gabe Ginsberg / Getty Images for for Paramount+ “That’s what all these fucking cowboys in that movie looked like,” Elliott said after comparing the film’s depiction of cowboys to Chippendale dancers. “They’re running around in chaps and no shirts. There’s all these allusions of homosexuality throughout the movie.”
At a panel hosted by Deadline over the weekend, Elliott apologized for his comments after being asked about them, saying he felt “terrible” about how they were received.
Kevin Winter / Getty Images for Deadline Hollywood
Elliott said that the film “struck a chord” with him, and that he “wasn’t quite articulate” about how he expressed the feelings that the film provoked.
Kirsty Griffin / Netflix / courtesy Everett Collection
“I said some things that hurt people and I feel terrible about that. The gay community has been incredible to me my entire career.”
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
“And I mean my entire career, from before I got started in this town. Friends on every level and every job description up until today.”
“I’m sorry I hurt any of those friends and someone that I loved. And anyone else by the words that I used.”
Elliott also said that he told Maron that Campion is a “brilliant director,” and he extended his apology to the entire cast of The Power of the Dog — “And in particular Benedict Cumberbatch.”
Paul Morigi / Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.
“I can only say that I’m sorry and I am. I am.”
Paul Morigi / Getty Images for Capital Concerts Inc.
You can hear the entire WTF interview here.
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