Chris Evans And Jeremy Renner Apologize After Jokingly Calling Black Widow A “Slut”
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.
The Chris Evans/Jeremy Renner joke about Natasha being a whore and just a flirty sidekick made me cringe. Gross.
— Karena Fagan (@KarenaFagan) April 23, 2015
I’m actually really fucking appalled and disappointed with jeremy renner and chris evans in that interview with the ableism and slut-shaming
— evan | 146 (@halseyadeux) April 23, 2015
Really disappointed to hear Renner & Evans dropped misogynistic/abelist jokes about Black Widow in an interview.
— Gus, Leo and Kate (@GusAndLeo) April 23, 2015
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.
Chris Evans sounds sorry he made a joke in poor taste about Black Widow. Jeremy Renner sounds sorry he got busted for making it.
— MikeBrendan (@MikeBrendan) April 23, 2015
glad that chris evans apologized for his words on black widow Renner is still an asshat though
— Pants ran Zankos (@JetGrindFuture) April 23, 2015
Meanwhile, others have simply rolled their eyes at the controversy.
You people need lighten up, Chris Evens and Jeremy Renner were CLEARLY joking about Black Widow. Don’t take it up the ass /.-
— MunchkinLetty (@MunchkinLetty) April 23, 2015
soooo Renner and Evans called Black Widow a “slut” and a “whore” and erryone is flipping their shit. Where’s muh popcorn?
— R2D2chan (@clowchan) April 23, 2015
Dear internet, Loosen up will ya? #BlackWidow
— Brendan Sugrue (@BSugs14) April 23, 2015
Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters May 1.
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