Is Robert Pattinson “the new black”? The British actor reportedly used the “N” word in a derogatory manner during an argument with a fellow actor. According to a recent report from The Guardian, Pattinson reportedly said of African Americans, “They’re not really humans, you know. They’re animals.”
The 33-year-old actor’s alleged outburst occurred during a dispute over a script in which he plays a college basketball coach. After having a go at the editor for not making changes to his script, Pattinson allegedly commented, “This is a n****** script. It just is.”
While the context of the conversation does not explicitly say that the “N” word was used by Pattinson, it is reported that the word can indeed be heard on audio recorded at the time of the incident. In the recording, which was obtained by TMZ, the actor allegedly says, “I’m not teaching my daughter to be racist, but she’ll grow up in a world where people are different, and she has to learn to accept that.”
The exact context of the comment and the surrounding conversation is not clear. It is, however, reported that at least six sources who were present during the altercation confirmed that the “N” word was indeed said by Pattinson. The publication adds that the incident was not only reported but also filmed by a member of the crew.
Upon hearing the news, the African American community came together in support of their brethren. Within minutes of the TMZ report going live, the hashtag #FreeRobertPattinson began trending on social media. Many people also commented that they were glad to see that the actor had been dropped from Uma Thurman’s wedding invitation list after she found out that he had used the “N” word during an argument.
Though Pattinson has yet to comment on the matter, several celebs have defended the actor. “I’m sure that comment was not directed at anyone in particular, but it was an inappropriate word to say, no matter who you are,” Tyler Perry said in response to TMZ’s report. “I really hope this doesn’t tarnish his image or career.”
Other stars took to Twitter to praise Pattinson. “So happy to see a black man be proud of his heritage. He’s the best thing to happen to black cinema since blaxploitation,” John Legend wrote.
This isn’t the first time that the Twilight actor has been in the headlines for something questionable. In fact, he’s been in the public eye for several transgressions. Most recently, he stirred up trouble when he was spotted kissing another man at his brother’s wedding. While the paparazzi were busy taking pictures of the Hollywood hook-up, Pattinson was heard saying, “I’m not racist, I’m just bisexual.” He later apologized for the comment.
The former couple, who got engaged in 2017, even faced backlash for inviting African American singer Alicia Keys to their wedding. Some people accused them of racism for “honoring” the singer, who has a Jamaican father and African American mother. The couple apologized for the backlash in a statement and credited Keys with helping them to “understand [their] own identities.”
Alicia Keys Asks For Patience And Understanding
According to a report from TMZ, the celebrity guests at the wedding were asked to refrain from talking about politics and to respect the family’s privacy. The publication also notes that while there were no hard feelings, there was no financial compensation given to the guests who were offended by the lack of sensitivity. But that’s no secret. As noted above, some people took issue with Keys’ invitation to the wedding. In a now-deleted tweet, one critic wrote, “@aliciakeys I’m so sorry you were offended. Please know, I wasnt referring to you. I’m not racist. I’m not homophobic. I’m not transphobic. I was talking about Robert Pattinson and his fiancee…” While others accused the singer of racism.
Alicia Keys took to Instagram to respond to the controversy. “You are absolutely right. I’m not here to judge anyone. I just want to celebrate love and togetherness. I am who I am. And that is beautiful,” she wrote, adding a linked black icon and the hashtag #blacklove.
Pattinson’s Brother Defends Actor’s Character
Pattinson’s brother, Chaz, spoke out in defense of the actor in an interview with The Guardian. “I know my brother better than anybody. I was there when he was a kid. I’ve known him his whole life. He’s never been like this. I know this isn’t the case, but the media is portraying him in a negative way. I don’t know what to say. This isn’t my brother,” he said. “What happened was a minor argument that turned into a bit of a tiff. But that’s all it was. He never said the ‘N’ word. Never. It’s not in his vocabulary. He’s not like that. Just because he had an argument with someone doesn’t mean he’s racist.”
Chaz continued, “We have a black President. What happened was a long time ago, before he became famous. The man is intelligent, and I’m sure he understands that this word has different connotations now.”
While it’s important to understand the context of events that lead up to the argument, this doesn’t change the fact that the “N” word was reportedly used by the actor. It would be best for everyone involved if this were a one-time incident. We can’t know for sure what would’ve happened if the altercation had never taken place. But it is certain that the wayward words would’ve been far better left unspoken. The fact that this happened at all is a sad reflection upon Pattinson’s character.
The tabloid also reported that Chaz is “furious” that his brother would even think to say something like that at the end of a professional relationship. “The guy doesn’t even talk to me. How dare he? He has no right to judge me. How dare he? He’s my flesh and blood. I love my brother; I always have and will, but he disappoints me,” he said. “Maybe now that he’s got money and success, he thinks he can do or say whatever he wants, but it won’t work that way. Nobody fucks with me and gets away with it.”
Uma Thurman Wants Nothing To Do With Pattinson
Uma Thurman, who stars alongside Pattinson in the upcoming film The Kitchen, issued the following statement about the actor: “I’m sure that comment was not directed at anyone in particular, but it was an inappropriate word to say, no matter who you are. I really hope this doesn’t tarnish his image or career.”
Thurman is known for playing a wide variety of characters in both fiction and non-fiction, so it is no surprise that she finds it challenging to voice her opinion on someone else’s actions. But given the controversy surrounding Pattinson, it seems that she also finds it challenging to stay out of the spotlight.
In the same report from TMZ, the tabloid states that Thurman feels “betrayed” by the incident, and that her representatives have tried to contact the actor, but have had no luck. She allegedly continued, “Uma Thurman wants nothing to do with Robert Pattinson. Not even a simple hello could possibly exist between the two of them.”
Is this the end of an era for the Twilight actor? Will this be the last we see of him? Stay tuned. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.