‘Green Book’ Writer Apologizes for 2015 Anti-Muslim 9/11 Tweet: ‘I Will Do Better’
Tweet resurfaced after Golden Globe win
Itay Hod | January 10, 2019 @ 6:25 PM
Last Updated: January 10, 2019 @ 6:38 PM
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“Green Book” writer and producer Nick Vallelonga has apologized for a 2015 anti-Muslim tweet that resurfaced after his Golden Globe win on Sunday, vowing to “do better.”
“I want to apologize,” Vallelonga said in a statement provided to TheWrap. “I spent my life trying to bring this story of overcoming differences and finding common ground to the screen, and I am incredibly sorry to everyone associated with ‘Green Book.'”
The statement continued: “I especially deeply apologize to the brilliant and kind Mahershala Ali, and all members of the Muslim faith, for the hurt I have caused. I am also sorry to my late father who changed so much from Dr. Shirley’s friendship and I promise this lesson is not lost on me. ‘Green Book’ is a story about love, acceptance and overcoming barriers, and I will do better.”
On Wednesday, a reporter unearthed the 2015 tweet, in which Vallelonga appeared to back then-presidential candidate Trump’s claim that he “watched when the World Trade Center came tumbling down. And I watched in Jersey City, New Jersey, where thousands and thousands of people were cheering as that building was coming down. Thousands of people were cheering.”
Vallelonga replied to Trump, “100% correct. Muslims in Jersey City cheering when towers went down. I saw it, as you did, possibly on local CBS news.”
But Trump’s version of events was challenged by major news outlets, including The New Yorker and The Washington Post, which, after trying to fact-check the story, concluded: “This is a bit like writing about the hole in the doughnut — how can you write about nothing?”
Vallelonga’s tweet was deleted Wednesday evening shortly after it was resurfaced. The writer’s entire Twitter account was deleted soon after.
It’s been a rough week for “Green Book.” Also on Wednesday, the film’s director, Peter Farrelly, apologized for repeatedly flashing his penis two decades ago in an attempt to be funny.
I've confirmed that #GreenBook producer Nick Vallelonga did tweet in 2015 that he saw "Muslims in Jersey City cheering when towers went down" on 9/11. That tweet and the account behind it have been deleted. Vallelonga had no comment. More here: https://t.co/9dfgg2tqVR
Golden Globes Party Report: Emily Blunt, Olivia Colman, Richard Madden Lead British Invasion (Photos)
"A Quiet Place" power couple John Krasinski and Emily Blunt spent Saturday afternoon at the BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party presented by Jaguar Land Rover at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for her role in "Mary Poppins Returns," Blunt's fellow Brit Olivia Colman would take home the trophy the following day.
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Richard Madden (pictured arriving at the BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party sponsored by Heineken) has gone from being best known as the ill-fated Robb Stark on "Game of Thrones" to winning a Best Actor Golden Globe for Netflix drama "Bodyguard."
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"Who Is America?" creator Sacha Baron Cohen came as his real self with actress/wife Isla Fisher, arriving in a very British Jaguar F-PACE vehicle.
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Onscreen rivals in "The Favourite," Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz stood in unison, holding hands with co-star Olivia Colman on the BAFTA carpet. Colman would later nab a Best Actress Golden Globe for her portrayal as Queen Anne.
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Their male co-star Nicholas Hoult, who played Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford in the acclaimed historical comedy-drama, arrived solo.
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Just in case anyone didn't know who he was, "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" nominee Richard E. Grant held up a sign with his name on the red carpet for the BAFTA Tea Party.
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Polish "Cold War" actress Joanna Kulig posed with a very royal Claire Foy at the BAFTA Tea Party -- where the finger sandwiches, cream scones, fresh-brewed PG Tips and Moët & Chandon champagne were definitely fit for the Queen (one someone who played her on "The Crown," at least).
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Sir Ben Kingsley and Daniela Lavender arrived in style at the BAFTA Tea Party despite the rain that added even more of an English feel.
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"Dynasty" actress Joan Collins got a ride in an elegant Jaguar Land Rover vehicle.
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Rosamund Pike at the BAFTA Tea Party.
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"The Force Awakens" actor Adam Driver at the BAFTA Tea Party.
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Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o at the BAFTA Tea Party.
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"Outlander" actress Caitriona Balfe at the BAFTA Tea Party.
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Over at The House on Sunset, Nicole Kidman co-hosted the 6th Annual Gold Meets Golden brunch with former Olympian Nadia Comaneci on Saturday.
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Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain at the 6th Annual Gold Meets Golden brunch.
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Octavia Spencer at the 6th Annual Gold Meets Golden brunch.
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"Sharp Objects" actress Amy Adams at the 6th Annual Gold Meets Golden brunch.
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Paralympian and "Dancing With the Stars" alum Amy Purdy at the 6th Annual Gold Meets Golden brunch.
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ESPN baseball analyst Jessica Mendoza at the 6th Annual Gold Meets Golden brunch.
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Danielle Macdonald at the 6th Annual Gold Meets Golden brunch.
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“Mary Poppins Returns,” “The Favourite” and “Bodyguard” stars join the 76th Golden Globe Awards party scene despite the very English weather
"A Quiet Place" power couple John Krasinski and Emily Blunt spent Saturday afternoon at the BAFTA Los Angeles Tea Party presented by Jaguar Land Rover at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for her role in "Mary Poppins Returns," Blunt's fellow Brit Olivia Colman would take home the trophy the following day.