“Star Wars” creator George Lucas is backtracking from disparaging comments he made about Disney’s handling of his beloved franchise, specifically referring to them as “white slavers.”
In an interview with Charlie Rose that aired on Christmas, Lucas was asked about why he sold Lucasfilm to Disney in 2012 (besides the $4 billion payday). He responded: “I sold them to the white slavers that takes these things, and…” He trailed off with a laugh, never completing the thought.
On Thursday, he issued a statement apologizing for referring to Disney in such a derogatory way. Here it is, as posted by The Wrap:
“I want to clarify my interview on the Charlie Rose Show. It was for the Kennedy Center Honors and conducted prior to the premiere of the film. I misspoke and used a very inappropriate analogy and for that I apologize.
I have been working with Disney for 40 years and chose them as the custodians of Star Wars because of my great respect for the company and Bob Iger’s leadership. Disney is doing an incredible job of taking care of and expanding the franchise. I rarely go out with statements to clarify my feelings but I feel it is important to make it clear that I am thrilled that Disney has the franchise and is moving it in such exciting directions in film, television and the parks. Most of all I’m blown away with the record breaking blockbuster success of the new movie and am very proud of JJ and Kathy.”
Check out the controversial snippet of the Charlie Rose interview below:
