Anthony Mackie responds to online backlash to controversial Captain America comment
Anthony Mackie responds to online backlash to controversial Captain America comment
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Conservatives are demanding a boycott of the film, branding it ‘woke garbage’. Captain America actor Anthony Mackie has responded to an online backlash against him after he claimed the qualities the character strives for are not currently represented by the United States.
Mackie, whose character Sam Wilson assumed the role previously played by Chris Evans at the end of 2019’s Avengers: Endgame is preparing for his first solo outing as the Marvel hero in Captain America: Brave New World. The bust-up began following comments made by Mackie when promoting the film in Rome. He described the eponymous protagonist as a man with “honour, dignity and integrity,” and that such qualities did not currently represent America.
“For me Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” Mackie said. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honour, dignity and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable.”.
The viral clip was quick to anger Republicans, who called for the movie to be boycotted, with some going so far as to describe it as “woke garbage.” Conservative political commentator Dan Bongino shared a clip on X of Mackie’s remarks and wrote: “Another s*** movie I won’t be seeing.”.
Mackie, 46, has since taken to Instagram to address the controversy and clarify what he meant by his comments. On Instagram Stories the star wrote: “Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honour of a lifetime.
