Close Menu

    ‘The Flash’ Star Hartley Sawyer Fired After Offensive Tweets Resurface

    By
    hartley sawyer the flash

    If you watch The Flash then you’re very familiar with Hartley Sawyer – as he plays Ralph Dibne AKA Elongated Man on the show. What you might not know, is that similar to many other celebrities that we’ve recently seen this happen to, he tweeted out some offensive things years ago, and someone found the tweets and exposed it all over the internet in an effort to get the actor fired – and it worked, as he’s officially been removed from the show.

    Following the tweets resurfacing, the actor immediately apologized:

    “My words, irrelevant of being meant with an intent of humor, were hurtful, and unacceptable. I am ashamed I was capable of these really horrible attempts to get attention at that time. I regret them deeply.
    This was not acceptable behavior. These were words I threw out at the time with no thought or recognition of the harm my words could do, and now have done today.

    I am incredibly sorry, ashamed and disappointed in myself for my ignorance back then. I want to be very clear: this is not reflective of what I think or who I am now.

    Years ago, thanks to friends and experiences who helped me to open my eyes, I began my journey into becoming a more responsible adult – in terms of what I say, what I do, and beyond. I’ve largely kept that journey private, and this is another way that I have let so many down. I still have more work to do.

    But how I define myself now does not take away the impact of my words, or my responsibility for them. I am very sorry.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    My words, irrelevant of being meant with an intent of humor, were hurtful, and unacceptable. I am ashamed I was capable of these really horrible attempts to get attention at that time. I regret them deeply. This was not acceptable behavior. These were words I threw out at the time with no thought or recognition of the harm my words could do, and now have done today. I am incredibly sorry, ashamed and disappointed in myself for my ignorance back then. I want to be very clear: this is not reflective of what I think or who I am now. Years ago, thanks to friends and experiences who helped me to open my eyes, I began my journey into becoming a more responsible adult – in terms of what I say, what I do, and beyond. I’ve largely kept that journey private, and this is another way that I have let so many down. I still have more work to do. But how I define myself now does not take away the impact of my words, or my responsibility for them. I am very sorry.

    A post shared by Hartley Sawyer (@hartleysawyer) on

    However, the apology wasn’t deemed as good enough by the people behind the scenes.

    Warner Bros. Television, The CW, Berlanti Productions, and executive producer Eric Wallace said in a statement:

    “Hartley Sawyer will not be returning for season 7 of The Flash. In regards to Mr. Sawyer’s posts on social media, we do not tolerate derogatory remarks that target any race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. Such remarks are antithetical to our values and polices, which strive and evolve to promote a safe, inclusive and productive environment for our workforce.”

    Not everyone was happy with the firing, as there is already a petition to bring Hartley Sawyer back to the show. Whatever happens with the situation, we’ll be sure to keep you posted.