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An online petition is quickly gaining traction which calls for actor Liam Neeson to be scrapped from the new Men in Black: International movie.

The Taken and Cold Pursuit star is facing massive backlash after an interview with The Independent saw him admit to roaming the streets hunting for a "black b*stard" to kill after a close friend was raped.

The interview was published on Monday, and already the repercussions have been stark. The actor cancelled an appearance on Stephen Colbert's US talk show, and the premiere of his new film was cancelled.

Now fans of Men in Black are calling for him to be re-cast, and it's gotten ugly.

Neeson went on Good Morning America to insist that he's not racist in a follow-up interview, but many people were of the opinion that he made the matter even worse, and want him gone from the upcoming reboot.

The remake stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, and is based on the iconic Will Smith sci-fi alien film..

One Twitter user wrote that they "hope it’s not too late to digitally erase" the Northern Irish actor from the movie, with a source reporting to The Sun that: “Mounting pressure on Neeson to be axed won’t go unnoticed.”

Many of us probably are totally unaware that he's even cast in the film…

Speaking about his interview with The Independent, Neeson tried to explain his actions:

“We were doing a press junket and the topic of our film was revenge. The lady journalist (Clémence Michallon) was asking, "How do you tap into that?" and I remembered an incident nearly 40 years ago when a friend of mine was brutally raped I was out of the country and when I came back she told me about this."

“I had never felt this feeling before which was a primal urge to lash out.”

Whoopi Goldberg jumped to Neeson's defence on The View, saying she believes he's "not a bigot", and former England football player John Barnes also praised him for admitting his guilt, saying that if we don't acknowledge racism, how can we tackle it?

Men in Black: International will be released in UK cinemas on June 14.

Feature image: Twitter/@heroichollywood

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Veteran actress has had her say on the whole Liam Neeson race controversy, defending the Taken actor over his polarising remarks.

Goldberg appeared on US talk show The View to speak about the debate, insisting he's not a 'bigot' in the aftermath of his comments about wanting to "kill a black b**tard".

Neeson has been plagued by social media backlash after an interview in The Independent was published where he spoke about seeking revenge after his friend was raped.

He was promoting his new film Cold Pursuit at the time, but received widespread condemnation for his account of the event which happened over 40 years ago during The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Goldberg has known the actor for decades, and is adamant that Neeson is “not a bigot” and that people “shouldn’t be surprised he was angry” after learning about the rape of his close friend.

She said: “People walk around sometimes with rage, that’s what happens. Is he a bigot? No. I’ve known him a pretty long time, I think I would have recognised, I’ve been around a lot of real bigots. I can say this man is not one."

Image: Vanity Fair

She continued her defence of the long-standing Irish actor; “You can’t be surprised that somebody whose loved one is attacked is angry and wants to go out and attack.”

The Sister Act star valued how Neeson “realised it was too dark” and went and “got himself help” by power-walking and speaking to a Catholic priest.

Appearing on Good Morning America on Tuesday, Neeson responded to the backlash himself by insisting he was “not racist” and “sought help” after his worrying instincts.

“It hurt me. I did seek help. I went to my priest and had two very good friends I spoke to,” Neeson explained. 

Former England footballer John Barnes also praised Neeson for “coming out and telling the truth” urging people to realise Neeson said he was “ashamed and horrified” at himself.

Like it or not, a vital conversation on racism, basic instincts and admitting the truth has begun as a result of his words.

Feature image; wedoitfortheloveofmusic.com

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Liam Neeson's racism controversy isn't showing any signs of dissipating, as the red carpet events before the New York premiere of his latest film have been cancelled.

Just one day after the interview was shared involving the actor describing his revenge plot against a "black b*astard" for the rape of his friend, the Cold Pursuit promotion has ended.

He went on Good Morning America yesterday to try and explain the remarks, which he made during an interview with The Independent, saying; “I’m not a racist.” 

His comments have been met with huge outrage since Monday, and has drawn condemnation from civil rights activists for their racist tones.

The Taken actor has said that the episode roughly occurred 40 years ago, after hearing that a close friend had been raped by a black assailant. 

“After that there were some nights when I went out deliberately into black areas in the city looking to be set upon so that I could unleash physical violence,” Mr. Neeson said. “And I did it for, I’d say, maybe four or five times.”

The interviewer on Good Morning America, Robin Roberts, who is African-American, told Mr. Neeson, “You have to understand the pain of a black person hearing what you said.”

Mr. Neeson replied: “You’re absolutely right, and at the time, even though it was 40 years ago, I didn’t think about that. All those things surprised me, but it was this primal hatred, I guess, that really, really shocked me when I eventually came down to earth and saw what I was doing — going out and looking for a fight.”

Yesterday's red carpet events, which would have allowed Mr. Neeson and his co-stars to talk to reporters, cameras and more questions, were cancelled hours before they were scheduled to begin, according to a spokesman for Lionsgate, who wouldn't make a statement about the actor's remarks.

In his interview with Good Morning America,  Neeson said he would have responded with a similar “primal urge” if his friend’s attacker had been white, and also linked his urge for violence to his time growing up in The Troubles of Northern Ireland.

“If she would have said an Irish or a Scot or a Brit or a Lithuanian, I know I would have had the same effect,” Mr. Neeson said on Tuesday, referring to his friend. “I was trying to show honour to my- stand up for my dear friend in this terrible, medieval fashion.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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He power-walked and spoke to a Catholic priest to try and overcome his anger about his friend's horrible victimisation; the friend passed away five years ago.

Mr. Neeson said the episode 40 years ago had taught him that violence and revenge only lead to more violence and revenge. He said the uproar this week had taught him something, too.

“We all pretend we’re politically correct, but in this country, it’s the same in my own country, too, but sometimes you just scratch the surface and you discover this racism and bigotry,” he said. “It’s there.”

Feature image; stuff.co.nz

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Liam Neeson has had to defend himself against the racist remarks he made in an interview in The Independent, which was released yesterday.

The Cold Pursuit actor spoke of roaming the streets with a cosh, hoping to murder a "black bastard" after a woman close to him was raped years ago.

Speaking on Good Morning America, he said; "I’m not racist, this was 40 years ago. I was brought up in the north of Ireland. The Troubles. The Sixties, Seventies and Eighties. There was a war going on in the north of Ireland."

"I had acquaintances who were involved in the trouble. The bigotry. One Catholic would be killed, the next day a protestant would be killed. I grew up surrounded by that, but I was never surrounded by it," he said. 

The original article featured the Taken actor recalling being told about a friend's rape after he returned from a trip overseas.

“She handled the situation of the rape in the most extraordinary way,” Neeson said. “But my immediate reaction was… did she know who it was? No. What colour were they? She said it was a black person."

“I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I’d be approached by somebody. I’m ashamed to say that, and I did it for maybe a week – hoping some (Neeson gestures air quotes with his fingers) ‘black bastard’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could kill him.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Neeson claimed it took him at least a week to process the incident, and anger was his first instinct.

“It was horrible, horrible, when I think back, that I did that,” he said. “It’s awful. But I did learn a lesson from it, when I eventually thought, ‘What the f*ck are you doing’, you know?"

The actor brought up the personal anecdote after being asked to give more insight into his Cold Pursuit character Nels Coxman, who seeks revenge after his son is killed by a drug gang.

The internet went into a meltdown after the interview was published, with the majority of social media users accusing him of racism.

One Twitter user wrote: “Liam Neeson being ready to take any black life over what one person allegedly did just shows how meaningless and inconsequential black lives are to some."

They continued; “Even him telling the story demonstrates a level of privilege and understanding that there may not be repercussions.”

Actor Terry Crews, who is the host of America's Got Talent and star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, wrote on social media:

"Reminds me of a time I got provoked by a rich white guy I didn’t know. Hoping I would do something." He has been an advocate for domestic violence and sexual violence victims.

RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy chose to defend Liam Neeson today, saying that the actor didn't mean any harm;

"I don’t think for one minute that Liam Neeson ever wanted to kill anybody, or would ever harm anyone, or really actually meant it at all. ‘However, “you just can’t say that kind of thing” is what I suspect is going to be the response to that."

He continued;

"Having met him several times, it’s the sort of thing that he might have said over a coffee to somebody privately, but he kind of let it out into the public and that poses a serious problem for him, I suspect, in Hollywood particularly, with all the sensitivities you’d expect and that are rightly there. It’s a conundrum for him."

Former England footballer has also defended the star, calling out other heroes in society who were less than angelic when it came to race (Hi, Winston Churchill) and praising his admission of guilt.

Piers Morgan has branded him a member of the KKK, so he must be in pretty scalding water right now.

What are your thoughts on the debate; Is he shining an important light on the racist instincts present in society, specifically straight, white men? Or is he cancelled? The jury's still out.

Feature image: ABC7.com 

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Liam Neeson's nephew, Ronan Sexton, has tragically passed away five years on from the accident which saw him fall 20 feet from a phone box.

The Taken actor has suffered yet another family loss following the heartbreaking death of his wife Natasha Richardson ten years ago.

His nephew was just 31-years-old when he sustained serious head injuries while on a night out in Brighton five years ago.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Sexton passed away last weekend in Cushendall in Northern Ireland, the The Belfast Telegraph reports. His family were all present during his poignant time of death.

Back in 2014, he fell from a telephone booth and hit his head, after enjoying a night out with his friends.

Ronan was the youngest of six children to Liam's sister Bernadette Sexton, who he remains close with.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This marks the second heartbreak to hit Liam's family, following his wife Natasha's fatal fall in March 2009.

The 45-year-old The Parent Trap actress passed away after suffering a freak head injury while skiing in Canada.

Natasha fell during a ski lesson on the beginners' slope at the Mont Tremblant resort.

We offer our deepest condolences to Liam and his extended family, who are mourning a great loss.

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ODEON and Pigsback.com have partnered up yet again to bring another classic film to the big screen.

On Thursday, December 20 at 6.30pm, ODEON Cinemas Nationwide will screen the iconic Christmas classic, Love Actually.  

With a star-studded ensemble cast of Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Martin Freeman and the late Alan Rickman – this is a Christmas favourite for all the family and one you do not want to miss!

For only €15, this package deal includes a cinema ticket, popcorn combo (medium combo with a dispensed soft drink or bottle of water) and one small tub of ice cream. A saving of €9.25! – Tickets are limited so get booking at Pigsback.com

Love Actually hit the silver screen in November 2003, and gained immediate critical acclaim and huge box office success. This unique romantic comedy has become a festive favourite with many turning to it every Christmas to mark the season.

Paul Wren, Commercial Manager for ODEON cinemas said, “After screening previous cult classics in partnership with Pigsback.com, Love Actually was the natural choice to mark the festive season. With so many memorable scenes and quotes – this film deserves another Christmas run. We are delighted to give guests the opportunity to share the magic of this festive favourite on the big screen at ODEON.”

What better way to get into the festive spirit than seeing Hugh Grant shimmy around No.10 Downing Street.

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She died in 2009 in a freak skiing accident that left her husband, Liam Neeson, a widower, and their young sons, Micheál and Daniel, without a mother. 

But seven years on from her death, Natasha Richardson's still grieving spouse has opened up about his loss – and his words will undeniably tug at your heartstrings.  

"They say the hardest thing in the world is losing someone you love. Someone you grew old with and watched grow everyday. Someone who showed you how to love. It’s the worst thing to ever happen to anyone," he begins his Facebook post, which was shared yesterday and includes a touching black and white snap of the pair before her death. 

The 64-year-old Ballymena actor continued: "My wife died unexpectedly. She brought me so much joy. She was my everything. Those 16 years of being her husband taught me how to love unconditionally."

And he went on to offer some advice: "We have to stop and be thankful for our spouses. Because, life is very short. Spend time with your spouses. Treat them well.

"Because, one day, when you look up from your phone, they won’t be there anymore. What I truly learned most of all is, live and love everyday like it’s your last. Because, one day, it will be.

"Take chances and go live life. Tell the ones you love, that you love them everyday. Don’t take any moment for granted. Life is worth living.”

The pair had married in 1994, but Natasha died in March 2009 at a New York hospital after receiving a brain injury while on a family ski holiday in Canada. She was 45. 

Her and Liam's sons Micheál and Daniel are now aged 21 and 20.

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Ah, Liam. Putting the Irish spirit into all of us.

Na Piarsaigh hurling team are playing against Ruairí Óg Cushendall in Croke Park tomorrow for the All Ireland Club final.

And Ruairí Óg Cushendall has recrutied one very famous man – Liam Neeson.

Apparently Liamo was a bit of a hurler back in the day and even played on the St Patrick's team in Ballymena. 

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Liam Neeson's character in Taken is something you can't mess with. Sure only Liam knows the CIA operative's particular set of skills, right? 

Well, apparently not, as he has been replaced for the upcoming TV prequel. *Sobs*. 

But, it was actually Mr Neeson who chose to stay away from the show, and a new man will be taking his place.

Vikings star Clive Standen is set to take on the role and play a younger version of Liam's character. 

Just like the movie, the TV series will follow the life of the secret agent and we'll finally see how he developed his "particular set of skills."

We just hope he can fill Liam's boots… No pressure.

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Irish actor Liam Neeson has had to release a statement regarding the 'incredibly famous' lady he is allegedly dating. 

While promoting a 1916 documentary he narrated, the Taken star confessed that he has a new woman in his life. 

"I'd embarrass her if I said her name, she's incredibly famous. I'll have to do my best for her," the 63-year-old told the Irish Independent last week. 

"It's amazing how far a simple bunch of freshly picked flowers will go in a lady's life, I find."

And as the world speculated on who this lady may be (including us), after being linked to the likes of Susan Sarandon and even Kristen Stewart Liam has been forced to set the record straight. 

"He was joking with an Irish journalist while conducting an interview promoting a documentary," said the actor's rep to People Magazine.

"The humorous tone of that statement did not translate in the printed version of the interview."

While Liam may not have an incredibly famous lady on his arm, the rep did confirm that the actor is dating someone but did not reveal her identity. 

We're still delighted to hear that he is seeing someone. 

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Ever since Liam Neeson revealed that he has a new romantic interest in his life, the internet has been trying frantically to guess just who the lucky lady is. 

In an interview with the Irish Independent this week, Liam revealed he was seeing a very well-known individual. 

"I'd embarrass her if I said her name, she's incredibly famous," said the 63-year-old. 

Okay, so while we may have a laborious wait ahead of us to figure out who this lady is, here's who the internet reckons may be Liam's latest squeeze: 

1) Susan Sarandon

If her daring bra-and-blazer outfit combo at the SAG awards last week is anything to go by, Susan Sarandon has certainly still got it. 

Having split from her partner Jonathan Brixlin last year, the 69-year-old actress is a serious contender for Liam's new lady. 

Living in the same area as Liam and with the pair previously knowing each other from featuring in the 2006 documentary film Home, we reckon these two would be the perfect couple. 

2) Kristen Stewart 

While this may seem like a total wildcard at first glance, actress Kristen Stewart was already romantically linked to Liam after the pair were spotted at the same restaurant in New York at the beginning of January. 

And the 25-year-old is single after splitting from her long-term girlfriend, Alicia Cargile last year. 

Though we are not sure how the 38-year age-gap would go down with Liam's kids. 

3) Uma Thurman 

Uma and Liam are thought to be long-time friends having worked on projects together and living very near each other in upstate New York. 

The 45-year-old actress has had a number of romances, the latest of which was with hotelier Andre Balazs though they have not been seen together in over a year. 

4) Halle Berry

We just LOVE the idea of this pairing. 

Having divorced her third husband last year, the 49-year-old actress is currently single though no one has ever linked the pair together before. 

But we can dream. 

5) Charlize Theron 

With Charlize having split from Sean Penn last year and having starred with Liam in 2014's A Million Ways to Die in the West, these two are a totally viable pairing. 

6) Diane Lane 

Having divorced from her second husband last year, Diane co-starred with Liam last year in an upcoming film entitled Felt. 

The only thing people are struggling with on this one is whether Lane could be described as "incredibly" famous. 

7) Meg Ryan 

Meg Ryan resides near Liam in New York and is also reportedly single. 

Previously married to Dennis Quaid, the 54-year-old split from her partner last year. 

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Irish actor Liam Neeson has revealed this week that he is currently romantically attached, seven years after the passing of his wife, fellow actress Natasha Richardson. 

In an interview with the Irish Independent, the Taken star revealed that he is involved with an "incredibly famous" lady but would not reveal her identity for fear of embarrassing her.

Don't do this to us Liam, we NEED to know. 

The 63-year-old did let us in on how he intended to treat his new lady. 

"I'd embarrass her if I said her name, she's incredibly famous. I'll have to do my best for her. It's amazing how far a simple bunch of freshly picked flowers will go in a lady's life, I find."

Liam's wife died suddenly after a freak accident on a family ski trip left her with fatal head injuries. 

Liam only had the strength to open up about the tragedy in an episode of 60 minutes that aired in 2014. 

"I went in to her and told her I loved her. Said, 'Sweetie, you're not coming back from this,' he recalled. 'You've banged your head.' "

"It's – I don't know if you can hear me, but that's – this is what's gone down. And we're bringing ya back to New York. All your family and friends will come."

The much-loved actor was romantically involved with British PR woman Freya St Johnston but the two-year relationship ended in 2012. 

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