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Actor Anthony Mackie, who stars as Captain America in "Captain America: Brave New World," released a statement to clarify controversial comments he made recently while on a press tour.
While promoting the movie in Rome, Italy last week, Mackie said that he does not believe the character should represent America.
"Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations," he said. "It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity and integrity. Someone who is trustworthy and dependable."
Mackie then clarified his comments later on after receiving some backlash.
"Let me be clear about this, I’m a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like CAP is the honor of a lifetime," Mackie wrote in comments shared to his Instagram account. "I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country. CAP has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to."
Radio host Buck Sexton, of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show, said Mackie could've promoted the movie and his character in a much better light.
"I think what he was probably going for here is 'Oh, I'll sound smart and worldly and help my movie,' but the way he said it sounded really dumb," Sexton said. "International ticket sales matter, so he might've been trying to say that these are universal values that Captain America represents."
"Captain America: Brave New World" is set to release in theaters on Valentine's Day, February 14. It's the fourth installment of the Captain America franchise.
Mackie has previously starred in "Avengers: Infinity War," "Captain America: Winter Soldier," and "Captain America: Civil War" as Sam Wilson, formerly the Falcon.