Rupert Everett has apologised to soldiers after branding them “whining wimps”.
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The Shrek star – who caused huge controversy when he claimed men and women who complain about risking their lives fighting on the frontline for their country – admits his comments were irresponsible and insists he never meant to upset anyone.
Everett – whose father is a retired major in the British Army – said: “I was talking trivially about something very serious. I never meant at any point to question the bravery of those who lose their lives, or survive, but without arms and legs.
“My flippant and irresponsible behaviour arises from a deep frustration at the fact that we seem to be continuing making war. Again I apologise without reserve to anyone who has been insulted by my remarks.”
Rupert sparked outrage when he questioned the bravery of servicemen and women.
The actor – who recently filmed a UK TV documentary about 19th century soldier-and-adventurer Sir Richard Burton – originally said: “The whole point of being in the army is wanting to get killed, wanting to test yourself to the limits.
“In Burton’s day they were itching to get into the fray. Now it is the opposite. They are always whining about the dangers of being killed. Oh my God, they are such wimps! Now you have to fly 15,000ft above the war zone to avoid getting hit.”
