Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Irish actor Liam Neeson has issued a new apology in regards to some controversial statements that he made earlier this year.

Back in February, Liam Neeson undoubtedly raised some eyebrows after sitting down for an interview with The Independent while promoting his new film, Cold Pursuit.

During the interview, Neeson explained how he was able to tap into the anger felt by his character in the film by remembering an incident from years earlier in which a close friend was assaulted by who she simply described as “a black man”.

“I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I’d be approached by somebody,” Neeson recalled. “I’m ashamed to say that – and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some ‘black bastard’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know?” So that I could kill him.”

Understandably, backlash was swift, with many people condemning Liam Neeson for his behaviour.

Despite this, a large amount of supporters also sprang up, defending Neeson and lauding him for his decision to not only admit this behaviour, but to explain his attempt to use this as a lesson to unlearn any racial hatred he may have had.

Calling it a “powerful admission”, The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah explained that he wants to “live in a world where a person who said something like that is ashamed of it and they are telling it to you and you aren’t catching them out.”

While Liam Neeson did address his statement on an appearance on Good Morning America, Variety reports that the actor has now issued a further apology for his comments.

“Over the last several weeks, I have reflected on and spoken to a variety of people who were hurt by my impulsive recounting of a brutal rape of a dear female friend nearly 40 years ago and my unacceptable thoughts and actions at that time in response to this crime,” Neeson explained.

“The horror of what happened to my friend ignited irrational thoughts that do not represent the person I am.”

“In trying to explain those feelings today, I missed the point and hurt many people at a time when language is so often weaponised and an entire community of innocent people are targeted in acts of rage.”

“What I failed to realise is that this is not about justifying my anger all those years ago, it is also about the impact my words have today,” he continued. “I was wrong to do what I did.”

“I recognise that, although the comments I made do not reflect, in any way, my true feelings nor me, they were hurtful and divisive. I profoundly apologise.”

Check out Liam Neeson on Good Morning America:

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