Bobcat Goldthwait has asked Disney to remove his voice from an upcoming attraction in protest of the recent firing of Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn.
The stand-up comic, actor and filmmaker wrote Sunday in a lengthy social media post that he and Gunn are friends (“I love James Gunn”), and Goldthwait believes Gunn got a raw deal when he was fired from the third Guardians of the Galaxy film for tweets featuring lewd remarks about rape and pedophilia that were posted nearly 10 years ago.
“He’s a loyal friend, super talented, passionate and kind,” Goldthwait wrote on Instagram, along with a picture of the two men.
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The Police Academy actor then asked Disney to remove his voice from an upcoming attraction.
“Dear @disney, I would hate for you to come off as hypocritical so I’m suggesting that you remove my voice from an attraction that’s coming to your park. It’s called WORLD OF COLOR – VILLAINOUS, and I reprise the role of Pain, a role I played in HERCULES,” he wrote. “You see here’s the deal, years ago I made a lot of sarcastically shocking and offensive jokes. Many that I’m embarrassed about now, and I’d hate to make you guys look bad seeing that I’m openly critical of the president and his administration, and you seem to be taking your lead from some of his radical fringe supporters.”
Goldthwait then pointed to the fact that actor James Woods — an outspoken and controversial Donald Trump supporter — was also in the film and may be part of the ride.
“Why not check out some of his whacky past tweets?! They’re a hoot!” he wrote. “For the record I do stand with survivors of sexual abuse and I was wondering if you guys are still making money off of your movie POWDER? Asking for a friend. Thanks, Bobcat.”
Powder is a 1995 film released by Disney arm Buena Vista Pictures. Powder director Victor Salva was convicted in 1988 of of sexual misconduct for molesting a 12-year-old actor who appeared his film Clownhouse.
Numerous celebrities have spoken up for Gunn, including a number of the Guardians of the Galaxy castmembers.
Gunn apologized for the tweets and said they did not reflect the person he has become. However, he said he accepted Disney’s decision.
An online petition created by a fan, asking Disney to rehire Gunn, has gained more than 200,000 signatures.
