Today's Gene Shalit has apologized for his inflammatory review of Brokeback Mountain.
Shalit's statement:
In reviewing the fictional movie "Brokeback Mountain", I expressed my opinion of "Jack", one of the fictional characters. It is my responsibility to my audience to present my views of the film and the actions of the film's fictional characters. My view of "Jack" may be contrary to the views of others, but we are all entitled to our opinions.
In describing the behavior of "Jack" I used words ("sexual predator") that I now discover have angered, agitated, and hurt many people. I did not intend to use a word that many in the gay community consider incendiary. Baron Lytton wrote in 1839 that "the pen is mightier than the sword," and this matter proves again how hurtful words can be. I very much regret using them.
The GLAAD website carried an assertion that instead of reviewing "Brokeback Mountain", which is my job, I "used the occasion to promote defamatory anti-gay prejudice to a national audience." This is untrue. It is unfair to me and must be corrected. Everything in my life and in my family's life demonstrates beyond doubt that I am not homophobic. Indeed, the contrary is true, and everyone who knows me knows it.
I certainly had no intention of casting aspersions on anyone in the gay community or on the community itself. I regret any emotional hurt that may have resulted from my review of "Brokeback Mountain."
Everyone is happy. Now GLAAD is asking people to thank Gene Shalit for apologizing. That's getting a little bit out of hand. Like sending a thank you note for a thank you note ... He apologized. Let's move on to the bigger fish, like the AFA ...
Sue
