Bobcat Goldthwait Asks, Hey Disney, How ‘Bout Me? Defends James Gunn
Comedian, filmmaker, director, writer, TV show creator and all-around advocate Bobcat Goldthwait stood up to Disney on Sunday in a very clearly worded, well-expressed post on Instagram about director James Gunn and Disney’s recent decision to part ways with him.
The news came in over the weekend that Gunn was fired from the smash hit franchise Guardians of the Galaxy after a conservative media outlet unearthed some controversial tweets from 2008 and 2009. Gunn apologized for the old jokes which he said he regretted and were meant to be provocative at the time, but he was still fired from the franchise that he helped build.
In the face of outrage and anger, friend and fellow director Bobcat Goldthwait spoke out supporting Gunn, who he called a super talented, passionate and kind loyal friend. Addressing Disney directly, Bobcat accused the company of taking their lead from Donald Trump’s “radical fringe supporters” in deciding to fire James Gunn, and he asked that his voice be removed from an upcoming Disney attraction featuring, among others, the character Bobcat voiced in the animated Disney movie Hercules. Goldthwait said that he has made many shocking and offensive jokes over the course of his career- many that he is embarrassed about now. “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,” he wrote.
“I think James Woods may have recorded a voice for this new attraction, too. Why not check out some of his whacky past tweets?! They’re a hoot!” he added.
He closed jabbing Disney for continuing to profit off the movie Powder, helmed by a director who didn’t just make jokes about sex abuse, but was actually convicted of child sex abuse.
He signed the post, “asking for a friend, Thanks, Bobcat.”
