Emily Blunt Apologizes for Controversial ‘Joke’ About Regretting US Citizenship

“It was just an offhand joke. I think I’ll probably leave the political jokes to late night,” actress says

TODAY -- Pictured: Actress Emily Blunt -- (Photo by: Heidi Gutman/NBC/NBC NewsWire via Getty Images)
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British transplant and actress Emily Blunt has apologized for an “offhand joke” she made about regrets over obtaining American citizenship.

“It was so not the intention to hurt anybody or cause any offense, so I really apologize to those that I caused offense,” the star said Thursday on NBC’s “Today” show.

“It was just an offhand joke. I think I’ll probably leave the political jokes to late night or something.”

Blunt, star of the buzzy new drug cartel drama “Sicario,” recently made a crack about the Republican presidential debates making her regret becoming a U.S. citizen (via her marriage to actor-husband John Krasinski.”

“I became an American citizen recently, and that night, we watched the Republican debate and I thought, ‘This was a terrible mistake. What have I done?’” Blunt said in a recent interview.

The comments got traction after the daytime panel on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” unleashed on Blunt, suggesting she should leave Hollywood and allow American actresses to occupy her film roles.

“Why don’t you leave Hollywood, California, and let some American women take on the roles that you’re getting, because Americans are watching your movies and lining your pockets,” said host Anna Kooiman.

On “Today,” she elaborated on the citizenship ceremony during her chat with host Savannah Guthrie.

“It’s really meaningful,” Blunt said. “You know, I mean, my two favorite people in the world are American — my husband [John Krasinski] and my daughter. It was kind of a special day. Yeah, it was great!”

Watch vide0 of the interview here.

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