The Memento star, who was born in England and moved to Australia as a child, made a series of jibes about the city of Canberra during an appearance on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson this week (beg09Apr12), joking that there is “a lot wrong about Canberra” and “people from Canberra usually deny they are from Canberra.”
His comments upset politicians and tourism bosses Down Under, and Pearce has now released a statement to apologise for his remarks, calling himself a “twit” and urging Aussies to approach him in the street and berate his films.
He says, “I’m writing to sincerely apologise for the comments I recently made about Canberra on the USA talk show Craig Ferguson. I’m such a twit for doing this and feel so embarrassed and mortified at what I said. I regretted it as soon as I walked off the set. I stupidly ran with a joke which I took too far for no other reason than to get laughs and I know I’ve offended many Canberrans and Australians in general. I feel horrible about myself for doing this and I’m truly very sorry…
“I actually really like Canberra, and in the few times I’ve been I’ve really enjoyed it and found it to be extremely beautiful, so I’m so sorry for being such a d**khead… I’m so proud of Australia and that I get to still work and live here and the last thing I want is alienate anyone or offend them. Please accept my apology. I give you permission to abuse me in the street and tell me my films are c**p.”
