Lee discusses ‘rape revenge’ controversy

Film-maker Spike Lee has criticised Liam Neeson over his controversial rape revenge remarks.

The Malcolm X director spoke out ahead of the Baftas, where his film BlacKkKlansman is up for several awards, including best film.

Neeson sparked outrage by saying he once had violent thoughts about killing a black person, after hearing a friend had been raped by a black man.

Asked if he was angry about his remarks, Lee told The Andrew Marr Show: “Oh yeah, I don’t understand what he was doing. It’s a crazy, crazy bizarre world we live in. I’ve not spoken to Liam. I don’t know why he did it but he did it so he’s going through it now. I just saw the clip, one of the clips on his apology tour, and he did not look happy.”

Asked if he would cast Neeson following his remarks,he said: “I tried to cast him one time. And so far, we haven’t got the money for that film but one day we will. But I don’t think I’ll be going back to him. He’s too old now. That was a long time ago. It’s bad all around.”

Neeson recently cancelled an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert amid the controversy.