Viggo apologises for using racial slur

Actor Viggo Mortensen has apologised for using a racial slur during a panel discussion about his new film Green Book.

Mortensen, who is white, appeared on Wednesday at the event with his co-star, Mahershala Ali, and director Peter Farrelly, where he used the slur in an attempt to explain progressive race relations.

Following outrage, Mortensen told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday he was making the point that many people casually used the slur in 1962, when the movie takes place. He says he had “no right to even imagine the hurt that is caused by hearing the word in any context.” He says he intended to “speak strongly against racism” and is sorry he used the word.

In Green Book, Mortensen’s character is hired to drive an African-American pianist on a concert tour in the South.