Everyone has a bad day. Everyone has people who annoy them and “push their buttons.” So in that sense, Jonah Hill getting worked up about a photographer being in his face all day is understandable, and indeed relatable.
What does not make sense, however, are the words Hill chose to use in lashing out. While there’s never a good time or reason to let loose a homophobic slur, the fact that this came in the midst of a publicity blitz for 22 Jump Street makes things doubly bad for Hill. While he certainly is allowed to get angry, his disappointing word choice has (justifiably) put a lot of heat on him.
To his credit, Hill immediately began his apology tour this morning on the Howard Stern Show. He said:
“I'm upset because from the day I was born and publicly I've been a gay rights activist. I grew up with gay family members. I'm leaving here to go spend the day with one of my closest co-workers and best friend who is gay, who's getting married, who I'm going to stand at his wedding. You know?
The apology seems quite sincere, and it’s not as if Hill has a history of belligerence or hateful speech. As a result, he’ll likely get a pass from the public and be able to put this all behind him.
Here’s the original video of Hill’s angry words to the photographer:
[via The Wrap]
