Yesterday, Men’s Journal released some quotes from their cover interview with Mark Wahlberg, who is on the February issue. In the course of the interview, Mark was discussing 9/11 (I don’t know the exact context), and he said, “If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘OK, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.’” My reaction was: Mark Wahlberg is a douchebag. How crass. How tasteless. Thankfully, most of you agreed.
As it turns out, the 9/11 widows agreed as well, and Mark received a crapload of criticism from many sources. So, within hours of the quotes going public, Mark issued an apology:
Mark Wahlberg is used to playing a tough guy in films like The Fighter, but he wound up on the defensive after saying he could have overpowered the 9/11 terrorists.
“If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did,” the actor, 40, told Men’s Journal. “There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘OK, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.'”
After criticism from 9/11 widows and others, Wahlberg issued a statement Wednesday saying it was a “ridiculous” choice to even speculate about how he might have handled the situation.
“To suggest I would have done anything differently than the passengers on that plane was irresponsible,” the Contraband star told PEOPLE. “I deeply apologize to the families of the victims that my answer came off as insensitive. It was certainly not my intention.”
Deena Burnett-Bailey, whose husband, Thomas Burnett, was a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93, had blasted Wahlberg’s original comments as “grandstanding.”
Flight 93, which was thought to have been aiming for the White House, crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers on board rushed the cockpit and were able to overtake the hijackers.
“The plan for Flight 93 was foiled by heroes,” Burnett-Bailey told TMZ.com. “For [Wahlberg] to speculate that his presence on board could have stopped everything is silly and disrespectful.”
[From People]
Do you buy Mark’s apology? I’m glad he issued it, and I’m glad that he made a statement so quickly. Here’s what’s still bugging me, though – his apology should have been worded like this: “I deeply and sincerely apologize for my offensive, insensitive, irresponsible comments. I have no excuse, I should not have even engaged in that kind of speculation or conversation.” How is that different than “To suggest I would have done anything differently than the passengers on that plane was irresponsible. I deeply apologize to the families of the victims that my answer came off as insensitive. It was certainly not my intention”? The difference is that he’s really only apologizing for “coming off as insensitive.” Like it’s on them for being too sensitive? I know, I know, it’s just semantics. But he’s still bugging me.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
If I could dislike him more, I would. Unfortunately such hate is very time consuming 🙁
Get off your damn high horse and issue a real apology, Mark!
Same with me. Marky Mark is a Grade A Douchebag.
You’re absolutely correct – words do matter. An apology is what you wrote. He is apologizing if anyone was so sensitive (meaning, crazy) as to offended by what he said. This seems to be the current ‘style’ of apologizing and it is not an apology! It’s a thinly-veiled smackdown of ‘anyone weird enough to be offended by my bold honesty.’. However, it’s possible that a publicist wrote that and neither that person nor Mark bothers to review it, or are smart enough to see how an apology-that-isn’t is salt on the wound and, in its own way, *more* offensive than the orginal comment: one was made spontaneously and the other, in theory, made after careful consideration.
Im conflicted because he started with “my statement was irresponsible. Sure he should have just was “It was insensitive” Instead of “It came off insensitive” but I think a lot of people answer like that when they didnt mean to hurt someone. I sounds more like “I did sound like a jerk” , which he totally did. I think that is sincere.
Ditto! He admitted on some morning talk show that he carried a dictionary in case he needed to refer to it so obviously he knows he’s not the most intelligent man and he admitted it.
I completely agree he shouldn’t have said a word about “saving the day” but the apology did seem sincere.
Kaiser, I think you’re right and it is more than semantics. For the last decade or so, public figures issue so-called apologies wherein they take no actual responsibility for their error. This is more of the same. To his credit, at least he made one.
He said “irresponsible”. This whole debacle makes me cringe
Nice hickey in the first pick haha.
I think he should have showed more insight. I am embarrassed by the sheer arrogance of my statement.
First I blame the magazine/interviewer for asking such a vicious question. How you supposed to answer? You shouldn’t but Mark isn’t the brightest crayon in the box and took the bait. I’m glad he apologized b/c most of the times the statements after controversial interviews are like “it’s all been ripped out of context…”
I think the context of the question was likely something about Whalburg was supposed to be on one of those flights, because he has stated that he was. So it’s not a totally random question. Not a topical or necessary one, but not totally random.
I disagree. They should have asked him something like “How did all what happend (not taking this plane) effect your life…?” But they didn’t, instead they came up with “What if..?” This is an outrageous question when it comes to discuss everything what went on at 9/11.
If you ask a damn stupid question then don’t be surprised if you get a damn stupid (in this case offensive) answer!
Is it surprising that he issued a “sorry you were offended”-type apology? I mean, Wahlberg has publicly stated that he doesn’t find it necessary to apologize to the innocent man whose eye he gouged out with a metal hook when he was younger.
Obviously, he doesn’t really sit around reflecting on how his actions have negatively affected people and how he can best make amends.
This apology is a PR move to save his career – while the American public can apparently accept him being unapologetic about his violent hate crimes, it will not tolerate him failing to express remorse for slighting 9-11 victims. Appearing to insult people who died in the attacks is just about the biggest PR disaster a celebrity can make in this country.
Complete D-bag comment and complete D-bag apology. I seriously expected better. I have loved every single movie I’ve ever seen with him in it (except Rockstar – OMG what was he thinking????) but my level of respect for him as dropped to nil, and until he issues an appropriate apology, it will remain there. Shame.
Everyone likes to think that in a certain situation they would’ve behaved a certain way. I’m sure many of us have thought what we would’ve done on that plane (or those planes) if we were there. Personally, I probably would’ve pee’d myself then broke down in hysterics. Mark thinks he would’ve rose up and took control. Who knows what would’ve actually happened. He was trying to be tough. Doesn’t make it right, but kinda makes it understandable.
He’s talking all this S**t about what he would have done on the plane but when Emimem called him Marky Mark to his face on MTV he didn’t say a damn thing. He just stood there looking P**sed. It was reported later that he wasn’t happy. What a punk.
Current trend – say whatever you want. You can always apologize later…..
How about a new trend – think before you open your mouths…….
Well that would be the appropriate/ smart thing to do, so that won’t be happening.
Yeah, it’s the latest celebrity (and politician, and…well, everyone in the public eye, I guess) thing to say “I’m sorry you were offended” instead of “I’m sorry I offended you.” Total deflection of responsibility. It’s gross and juvenile. Don’t they realize people would be more forgiving if they owned up to it?
Marky Mark, you should stick to dropping your pants.
And stuffing his briefs with socks.
LMAO!
Kinda off topic (or maybe not since this is somewhat a testimony to his douchebaggery), but Michael K posted this, it made my day and I wanted to share:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ-qgZfw8vA&feature=player_embedded#!
P.S.: what’s with the “PAH!”? I don’t get it…
LOL! What is that about!
I think he was trying to make it his trademark 😛 And what’s with the soundeffects, gross Mark!
I’m with you. It’s a classic non-apology. “I’m sorry you’re upset” or even “I’m sorry I upset you” is not the same as “I’m sorry I did that.”
I would know, because I’ve used the former to smooth over many a situation I just wanted to be over…
Trying to prove how manly he is. Sounds like he’s got some kind of complex to me. Have no idea which one that would be!!!
Maybe Marky Mark should make another forgettable movie and STFU.
People – lighten up!
I agree. It sounds like what most guys would say when they’re hanging around with other dudes. “man, I’m not scared, I would, like, take them out man.”
Let men be men sometimes (and women be women)and not have to worry about everything stupid thing they say!
Totally agree with the non-apology posts.
It’s like an apology with a but. “I’m sorry but” is no apology at all.
It rides right alongside “I don’t mean to be rude”.
Like Dumbledore said “yet accidental rudeness occurs at an alarming rate”.
and yes, I memorized it, it is just so true.
A Dumbledore quote? I think I love you…
An arrogant prick, sure. Hollywood is filled with them. Still think he’s the don at the movies though. I have ceased being offended by these movie stars and their ridiculous, deluded interviews. They’re all narcissistic and self-absorbed in varying degrees. And at the end of the day, who cares what they think anyway? If only people directed their ire at those that really make a difference at the level that really matters to us all (i.e politicians)
Being outraged about what someone has to say about a horrific event doesnt really make anything better. It was a poor example to make a point and obviously taken out of context since no one knows why 911 was being discussed. Not the wisest thing to say as a celebrity but honestly, lighten up.
I believe on the post from yesterday, someone said that Mark was supposed to be on one of the flights and changed his ticket at the last minute.
That is why it was being discussed I presume, he came very close to putting his money where his mouth is. So it is very offensive that by pure luck he escaped a terrible death, and now is boasting about how he would have saved the day and landed the plane.
Is what he said totally douchey? YES.
However, he is and will always be my forever dong. And I probably should apologize for that…
Don’t think they’ve found the gene that controls dickmatization yet. No apology necessary.
Glad he made a statement but annoyed by yet another classic deflection apology. Seems all publicists write them like that these days.
I hope he really does realize the problem with what he said.
I actually think it was a real apology. The sad part is that I think that he didn’t realize how awful what he said really was and I’m pretty sure that he only apologized because somebody with a brain had to explain it to him.
What is he 5’6/5’5? If I remember correctly, some of the heroes on that flight were former college athletes. Im positive they were more equipped to stop the attack then a 5’6 Napoleon complex wanna be tough guy. Seriously, does Wahlberg’s feet even touch the ground when he is in his seat in first class?
It was a stupid thing to say. As if playing a tough guy in movies qualifies him to fight terrorists in real life. And is he a pilot? I don’t know how he can guarantee he’d land the plane safely.
But for all his stupidity, I don’t understand the outrage either. People say dumb things all the time. What’s done is done, and Marky Mark isn’t responsible for all those deaths. It’s not like he’s shilling an unsafe diet plan that can harm future victims. He, personally, didn’t harm anyone, he just said something really stupid.
And I’m gonna get banned for saying this, but I’ll say it anyway. People over-use the word “hero.” The people on the plane aren’t heroes because they had no other choice – if they hadn’t fought back, they were 100% certain to die. They had nothing to lose in fighting back. That’s different from people who put themselves in harm’s way when they don’t have to, such as jumping into a freezing lake to save a drowing person.
Capt. Sullenberger isn’t a “hero” either (although he’s probably a great guy). Landing the plane in a river took a lot of skill, but it was still his job, and it’s not like he had the choice to NOT land the plane.
There are people who voluntarily put themselves into harm’s way to help others, and then there are people who are put in harm’s way through no choice of their own. There’s a difference. I feel sorry for all victims of crimes, and I am glad I’ve never been put in that situation, but there is a difference between being a victim and being a hero. But I guess it makes the families feel better, so we play along with it.
With Mr. Wahlberg now in place as America’s “Champion”; we can disburse all military branches[maybe even National branches of Law Enforcement] saving billions upon billions of dollars…not local police though;Mr. Wahlberg can’t be everywhere all at once…little “Marky Mark”..Calvin Klein’s and America’s HERO!! Marky;you’re too tiny a peanut to save America..pull up your underpants and be quiet.
In the same vein as that other Grade-A douchebag, Matt Damon, here we have yet another example of a barely-talented actor who spouts off about how THEY would do things differently if they were in charge.
This douchebag in particular needs to make yet another crappy ‘film’ and STFU.
I hope one of the victims’ family group takes out a full-page ad in Variety blasting this asshole.
There there, that’s a good stupid boy. Now shut up and go away – we’re done listening to you.
Smart decision.
I think Wahlberg should now continue on his campaign to make this right by both doing charity work/donating to 9/11 causes AND finding the Vietnamese man he blinded, apologize and give restitution. But no, I guess he’s done now that he had his PR make the fake apology. He needs to be a better example to his children by being a better man. But I don’t think it’s in him. Too bad jerks can be so successful.
Plus he’s ugly. He also has a spare tire around his waist. Yuck in all respects.
Those rich celebrities…. Did you saw those MTV Cribs shows where they show houses of celebrities. How can anybody live in that house and in that rich world and have any touch with reality.
I always laugh when I see some 35-40 years old rich movie star who plays ordinary person in movie and pretends that he lives with bugs in old and dirty 2 rooms apartment. And then I remember that this movie star is worth some 200 billion dollars, have personal driver, cook, airplane, lives in some rich 20 rooms/10 bedrooms/2 pools/personal tennis and basketball court house, 4 bodyguards…. And he lives like that for past 15 years at least. Yeah he certainly knows everything about poor ordinary people who live in cheap apartment in dangerous neighborhood.
I understand why Mark said that. He lives in other reality. In his celebrity mind he does think that it is so easy. That he would stand up, killed all terrorists bare hands and then would make contact with airport auditories (remember that terrorists killed all pilots immediately so there was no one to drive plane once Mark would kill everyone) and then he would safely put plane on the ground like that Lauren Holly in Turbulence movie.
Mark just proved to everyone just how stupid, naive and out of reality all those rich celebrities are.
Classic non apology. What a douche. Really liked him too, but cannot stand this egomaniac anymore.