Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner found themselves in hot water after they jokingly called Black Widow a “slut” in an interview.

Jeremy Renner And Chris Evans Call Black Widow A “Slut”

Evans and Renner, who star in the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron as Captain America and Hawkeye, respectively, made the unfortunate joke during the press tour on Wednesday.

When asked by Digital Spy about fans speculating Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson, would be romantically linked to Hawkeye and Captain America, Renner responded, “She’s a slut.”

Evans and Renner both laughed, with Evans agreeing, “…she’s a complete whore.” Renner went on with the joke, adding, “She has a prosthetic leg anyway –“ “Leading everybody on,” finished Evans.

The joke seemed to imply that having a prosthetic leg was somehow a deception and an unattractive quality, but perhaps most egregious was the fact that they didn’t really answer the question or add anything substantive to the discussion on Black Widow.

The joke may have been harmless, but considering Black Widow is the only female Avenger/superhero in the film, it wasn’t a very funny one. As one of the few main females in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Johansson’s Black Widow stands out as the only main character who, thus far, has not been a love interest that needed saving – à la Pepper Potts. But, despite Black Widow’s prominent role in the Marvel Universe, it’s no secret that superhero films are mostly male-driven, and Black Widow has yet to be given her own film. Within the context of Black Widow’s status in the franchise, it’s no wonder fans were disappointed by Renner and Evans’ statements – humorous or otherwise.

Jeremy Renner And Chris Evans Apologize

Following the backlash from their interview, both Renner and Evans release apology statements on Thursday.

“Yesterday we were asked about the rumors that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with both Hawkeye and Captain America. We answered in a very juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans. I regret it and sincerely apologize,” Evans said.

“I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone. It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour,” Renner said in a separate statement.

The fandom appears to have accepted Evans’ apology, but Renner’s statement was less satisfactory.

Meanwhile, others have simply rolled their eyes at the controversy.

Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters May 1.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.