Banks issues an apology after many people on social media blasted her, pointing out that she seemed to forget that Spielberg directed 1985's iconic female-driven film 'The Color Purple'.
- June 16, 2017
AceShowbiz -
Elizabeth Banks was blasted by people on social media after calling Steven Spielberg out for lack of female leads in his movies. The 43-year-old actress made the remark when accepting Women in Film's Excellence in Film Award on Tuesday, June 13.
"I went to 'Indiana Jones' and 'Jaws' and every movie Steven Spielberg ever made, and by the way, he's never made a movie with a female lead," she said in her speech, before adding, "Sorry, Steven. I don't mean to call your ass out but it's true."
The quote went viral on Twitter, with many people pointing out that Banks seemed to forget that Spielberg directed 1985's iconic female-driven film "The Color Purple". On Thursday, June 15, the "Pitch Perfect" star/director issued a lengthy apology statement via Instagram and Twitter.
"I messed up. When referring to Steven Spielberg at the Women in Film awards, I framed my comments about his films inaccurately. I want to be clear from the start that I take full responsibility for what I said and I'm sorry," Banks wrote in the statement.
"When I made the comments, I was thinking of recent films Steven directed, it was not my intention to dismiss the import of the iconic 'The Color Purple'," she continued. "I made things worse by giving the impression that I was dismissing Shari Belafonte when she attempted to correct me."
"I spoke with Shari backstage and she was kind enough to forgive me," she added. "Those who have the privilege and honor of directing and producing films should be held to account for our mistakes, whether it's about diversity or inaccurate statements. I'm very sorry."
— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) June 15, 2017
