Liam Neeson Gun Comments: Gun Company Slams 'Taken 3' Actor
Liam Neeson’s comments regarding gun control have upset various pro-gun groups and weapons companies.
The Irish actor, who has in the last couple of years starred in the "Taken" series of films, criticized the high number of guns in the U.S. after being asked about the terror attacks in Paris and police brutality in the U.S.
Speaking to Gulf News, a Dubai-based news organization, Neeson, 62, commented on attack in France at the Charlie Hebdo headquarters, saying: “my thoughts and prayers and my heart are with the deceased.” He then spoke about guns and the U.S.
“There’s too many [expletive] guns out there,” he told Gulf News’ tabloid. “Especially in America. I think the population is like, 320 million? There’s over 300 million guns. Privately owned, in America. I think it’s a [expletive] disgrace. Every week now we’re picking up a newspaper and seeing, ‘Yet another few kids have been killed in schools.’”
His comments have led to a backlash from one particular gun manufacturer, PARA USA, which provided weapons for Taken 3. The company took to its Facebook page to criticize the actor and his comments on gun ownership in the U.S.
“PARA USA regrets its decision to provide firearms for use in the film 'Taken 3,'" the post read. “While the film itself is entertaining, comments made by its Irish-born star during press junkets reflect a cultural and factual ignorance that undermines support of the Second Amendment and American liberties.”
The company proceeded to call for a boycott of Neeson’s film and calls for other gun companies and affiliates to disassociate themselves from the upcoming film.
“We will no longer provide firearms for use in films starring Liam Neeson and ask that our friends and partners in Hollywood refrain from associating our brand and products with his projects. Further, we encourage our partners and friends in the firearms industry to do the same,” the statement continued.”
Conservative commentators have also taken to Twitter and criticized the actor.
Liam Neeson should stop making bank off of guns if he dislikes them so much for defense. Poseur.
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) January 13, 2015
Actor Liam Neeson -- Second Amendment is a "problem" and would make Founding Fathers "turn in their graves." https://t.co/QQjlLVMQs4 — Emily Miller (@EmilyMiller) January 13, 2015
I as a proud gun owner took the streets to see what YOU thought of actor Liam Neeson's comments against gun ownership in America! — Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 18, 2015
Neither Liam Neeson nor his representative has commented on the matter.
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