Having been targeted by civil rights activists and trolls for his 'Question Time' appearance, the 'Gosford Park' actor reminds others that everyone deserves a chance to speak freely.
- Feb 25, 2020
AceShowbiz - British actor Laurence Fox has quit social media over the backlash linked to his controversial appearance on current affairs show "Question Time" last month (January 2020).
The 41-year-old sparked controversy on the weekly BBC programme during a heated debate about racism.
He shocked viewers when he said, "It's so easy to throw the card of racism at everybody and it's really starting to get boring now."
Immediately following his remarks, he was targeted by civil rights activists and trolls and now Fox has had enough of the online attacks.
In a series of tweets on Monday, February 24, the "Gosford Park" actor wrote, "I'm going to take an extended break from social media. I'd like to say a couple of things. First of all, a huge thank you to all of you who have followed me throughout my career and travelled vast distances to come and see me on stage, be in acting or singing (sic)... Since my appearance on question time and the ensuing hubbub, I have had nothing but support on the street, from people of all backgrounds and political view points. In the weird and lonely days that followed that appearance, your kind words have lifted my spirits. Thank you..."
"But privately I have been becoming more and more depressed. I have been so shocked by some of the things said to me on these platforms and I have found some of it very hard to process. I think it's important to stand up to bullies and that is why I have continued to do so...."
Confessing he feared for his "future" and the impact the backlash could have on his family, Fox added, "I think we need to learn to listen to each other better. I am learning this all the time. I believe that pushing people to the edge of their ability to remain emotionally ok through cancel culture can and does have deadly consequences."
"I know that in order for me to be ok I have to turn this noise off for a while. We all have feelings. We all have hopes and dreams. We don't have to agree. We just have to respect that we are all different and we all deserve a chance to speak freely..."
"I wish you ALL all the best. I hope the loudest voices are the ones that come from love and truth. I hope that those who feel hate can be encouraged to find the love around them."
