American Citizen, Actress Emily Blunt Forced To Apologize For Joke About Republicans
American citizens pride themselves on their ability to criticize their government without repercussions. That’s why some say living in the United States is so amazing; citizens have the right to free speech. But, even though actress Emily Blunt is technically now an American, she has been eviscerated by Conservatives for a joke about the GOP debate.
Blunt became an American citizen on Aug. 4. at a federal court house in Los Angeles. After prepping for the test, the actress proclaimed that her studies helped her learn more about American history than the history of her native home, England, Hollywood Life and People reported.
More to the point, Emily’s husband, actor John Krasinski, and her one-year-old daughter, Hazel, are Americans as well.
But, Blunt apparently overstepped the rules of propriety when she freely expressed her disdain for the Republican party, choosing a few ill-advised remarks to make her point, and causing an intense social media backlash and calls for the actress to return home.
Here’s what Emily said during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter alongside the co-stars, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro, of her newest movie, Sicario, Today reported.
“I became an … citizen recently, and that night, we watched the Republican debate and I thought, ‘This was a terrible mistake. What have I done?.’ I’m not sure I’m entirely thrilled about [becoming a American]. People ask me about the whole day. They were like, ‘Oh it must have been so emotional.’ I was like, ‘It wasn’t, it was sad. I like being British.'”
Emily even said that the first GOP debate she watched as an American citizen was scarier than making Sicario, an action movie in which she plays an FBI agent investigating the drug trade.
Conservatives weren’t amused by Emily’s comments. The harshest response directed at Blunt came from Fox News anchor Anna Kooiman.
“Well you know what, why don’t you leave Hollywood, California and let some of the American women take the roles that you’re getting because … citizens are watching your movies and lining your pockets.”
Co-host Steve Doocy declared that Emily “alienated half the country” and they may no longer attend her movies.
In a peace offering on the Today show, Blunt offered her apologies, saying the comment was made in jest.
“It was so not the intention to hurt anybody or cause any offense, so I really apologize to those that I caused offense. It was just an offhand joke. I think I’ll probably leave the political jokes to late night or something.”
Becoming an citizen — and thus earning the right to free speech in the process — was very important to her, Blunt continued, saying, “It’s really meaningful. You know, I mean, my two favorite people in the world are American – my husband (John Krasinski) and my daughter. It was kind of a special day. Yeah, it was great!”
What do you think? Were Emily Blunt’s comments offensive to you?
[Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images]
