We had kind of hoped Brett Ratner would step out of the spotlight for a while after resigning as Oscars producer as a result of his recent racist, sexist, and homophobic comments. But no such luck. The director is already back with his latest, lengthiest Tracy Morgan-style apology yet, in which he seems to have suddenly become totally enlightened about and sympathetic to the plight of the LGBT community. Ratner says that he got a “well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said in a number of recent media appearances. To them, and to everyone I’ve hurt and offended, I’d like to apologize publicly and unreservedly… As difficult as the last few days have been for me, they cannot compare to the experience of any young man or woman who has been the target of offensive slurs or derogatory comments. And they pale in comparison to what any gay, lesbian, or transgender individual must deal with as they confront the many inequalities that continue to plague our world.” He also mentioned something about having love in his heart despite his “ugly and bigoted” comments.
Listen, we have no idea what Ratner has in heart. It would be nice to see him make good on his promise to help fight anti-queer prejudice. But at a time when America’s historic gay rights movement is making so many important strides and educating so many about tolerance, there’s really no excuse for public figures to use obvious slurs like “fag.” So, readers, does Ratner’s apology satisfy you? Do you believe that someone with “love in his heart” could say such hateful things? Does he deserve another chance? [via NME]