Jennifer Lawrence’s Apology Over Hawaii Incident Falls Flat

Jennifer Lawrence recently addressed an apology to the public for those offended after her now-infamous “butt-scratching” story went viral. The apology follows the harsh criticism the actress received after an appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

The video, which went viral this week, shows the actress sitting down with host Graham Norton and sharing a story from 2012. While in Hawaii filming one of The Hunger Games films, Lawrence reportedly disrespected a sacred Hawaiian site. She described the ancient site which was viewed as holy by the native people of Hawaii, then laughed about how she used its stones as a makeshift scratching pole during filming.

Lawrence said that she used one of the large stones to scratch her rear end while in a wet suit when, “One rock…ended up coming loose, and it was a giant boulder and it rolled down this mountain and it almost killed our sound guy!”

Showing no remorse for her actions as she recounted the story, Lawrence laughed as she described how the dislodged boulder destroyed sound equipment, much to the horror of the native Hawaiians.

Chris Pratt, a fellow guest on the show and Lawrence’s co-star in the upcoming film Passengers, looked uncomfortable as Lawrence continued to describe the event. His facial expression were incredulous as the actress said, “it was a huge dramatic deal and all the Hawaiians were like, ‘It’s the curse from our ancestors!’ And I’m in the corner going, ‘I’m your curse.'”

CNN reported on the internet’s reaction to the story which drew criticism from many people. While Lawrence claimed to be unaware at the time of the significance of the sacred stones, she did not seem to exhibit any remorse for her actions. The internet immediately criticized the actress and demanded that she apologize to the Hawaiians for her disrespectful attitude and lack of respect.

The starlet is one of the highest paid actors in America and is popular with her fans for being quirky and relatable. Lawrence is known for having a self-deprecating sense of humor which appeals to her audience, such as laughing after falling while climbing the stairs to receive an Oscar in 2013. Her reputation for being down to earth along with her good looks and acting skills has garnered her a substantial following.

It has long seemed that Jennifer Lawrence is universally beloved, but this faux pas could be the beginning of a decrease in her substantial popularity. While she did make a public apology, the internet is not impressed. Many think that her apology was in response to the backlash rather than a sincere acknowledgment that she had acted inappropriately. Refinery29dismissed Lawrence’s apology as “meaningless” and compared her actions to those of her friend comedian Amy Schumer, criticizing the stars as “seemingly oblivious to how they offend other people until the general public calls them out.”

In a post on her official Facebook page, Lawrence addressed an apology “to the internet” writing, “I meant absolutely no disrespect to the Hawaiian people. I really thought that I was being self deprecating about the fact that I was “the curse”, but I understand the way it was perceived was not funny and I apologize if I offended anyone.”

People were quick to note that the apology was addressed “to the internet” and those who were offended rather than to the Hawaiian people who Lawrence disrespected. She was quickly slammed for not taking accountability for her actions.

The fact that Jennifer Lawrence addressed her 'apology' to 'the Internet' proves that she's reacting to the reaction/ it's hollow

— Bolu Babalola ?&? (@BeeBabs) December 10, 2016

jennifer lawrence apologised to the Internet… but didn't think about addressing her apology to the Hawaiian people? How ignorant can you be?

— g (@pinkastrids) December 11, 2016

The incident is especially disappointing to fans who view Jennifer Lawrence as an activist and feminist. Lawrence has been outspoken on several issues, including gender pay inequality. She is known for her charitable contributions to various organizations.

The apology comes just a few days before Lawrence’s next film hits theaters. Passengers will be released in the U.S. on December 21.

[Featured image by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images]