Yahoo Lifestyle Anthony Mackie Clarifies Viral 'Captain America' Comment: 'I'm A Proud American'
Anthony Mackie says he’s a “proud American” after facing backlash for a viral comment.
The Marvel star is currently promoting “Captain America: Brave New World,” his first full outing as the titular superhero after Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) bestowed the iconic shield upon him in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.”
On Tuesday, however, Mackie made a remark that didn’t go over well.
“To me, Captain America represents a lot of different things, and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations,” he said onstage in Rome, per a clip on social media. “It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity.”
“Someone who is trustworthy and dependable,” Mackie continued at the time.
The comment, widely shared in footage that does not include the question Mackie was asked, prompted the need for some immediate damage control.
“Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime,” the actor wrote Tuesday evening in an Instagram Story. “I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country.”
“CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to,” he continued.
Mackie’s initial comment was presumably a criticism of President Donald Trump instead of the U.S. as a whole; the actor previously told HipHollywood ahead of the 2016 presidential election that “there’s a dumbing down of American politics on the Republican side.”
He also shared an image of himself as Captain America on Instagram in November to celebrate the armed forces and wrote: “Happy Veterans Day America. To all of our men and women in uniform, thank you for your service and sacrifice!”
Mackie’s comment on Tuesday nonetheless sparked backlash from right-wing commenters who slammed him as “woke.” Some made the racist suggestion that Mackie was only cast due to federal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives — which Trump is currently attacking.
“Captain America: Brave New World” hits theaters Feb. 14.
