9-1-1 star Ryan Guzman says he was 'ignorant' in new apology for defending racial slurs
9-1-1 actor Ryan Guzman has issued a further apology following controversial comments he made where he defended the use of racial slurs and stereotypes among his friends.
The star took to his Twitter account today (June 3) to address what he said, stating: "I know my thoughtless words and actions have hurt people and I apologise. I am truly sorry, hold myself accountable and take full responsibility for my defensiveness and ignorance.
"I support the Black Community with my whole heart and I am educating myself and listening with an open heart and mind. I promise to use this experience to learn and grow and make real change. All love, Ryan Guzman."
His black co-stars Aisha Hinds and Rockmond Dunbar condemned his initial comments, with the former saying that there are "learned behaviours that need to be named and neutered so we don't continue to give life to them," while the latter said that it was "utterly unacceptable" for non-black people to use the N-word, even if they think they have been given permission.
His white co-star Oliver Stark also criticised Guzman's remarks, saying that the N-word "belongs to the Black community only and I absolutely don't agree with it being used by... anyone else under any circumstances".
9-1-1 airs on Fox in the US and Sky Witness in the UK.
For more information on how you can support Black Lives Matter, please visit its official website or donate here. Readers can also donate to the UK anti-discrimination group Stand Up To Racism, and the Unite Families & Friends Campaign, which supports those affected by deaths in police, prison and psychiatric custody.
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