Matthew McConaughey Defends Tropic Thunder

Access Hollywood - August 18, 2008 2:38 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Matthew McConaughey has become the latest celebrity to defend "Tropic Thunder."

As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, a host of disability advocate groups have been protesting the movie, at the premiere and in the media, over the use of the "R-word" in the film.

In particular, the organizations are upset over a scene between Ben Stiller's character, actor Tugg Speedman, and Robert Downey Jr.'s character, actor Kirk Lazarus. As Speedman and Lazarus take a break from filming a Vietnam war action film, they discuss Speedman's recent role playing a person with special needs in "Simple Jack," a fictional film Stiller's character starred in. During their banter, the two talk about how to play a person with special needs, regularly using the "R-word."

'Tropic Thunder' Premiere, Los Angeles - Play it Now

"If you see it, I think you'll agree that all the 'touchy' humor is in context, and in no way mean spirited or irresponsible," McConaughey, who has a cameo in the movie, wrote on his MySpace Celebrity blog. "It's just funny."

As for his own role in the film, McConaughey said he had a great time making it.

"I had a blast steppin' in to work on this project for just a few days," he blogged. "It's another 'brand' of comedy and a comedy team (Stiller and gang) that I wanted to play with, and am happy I did.... Never lose your sense of humor, and just keep livin'."

All Access: Matthew McCounaughey - Celebrities - Movies

In related news, "Tropic Thunder" became the first film to topple "The Dark Knight" from its reign at the top of the box office. "Thunder" brought in $26 million over the weekend while "The Dark Knight" pulled just $16.8 million.

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Access Extended: Matthew McConaughey's Baby Mayhem - Play it Now
Top Ten Most Expensive Baby Photos - Check Out the Photos

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comments 1-10 of 94  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Sam C
    Stop it!!!!IT'S A MOVIE! There are more important things to worry about than a Movie. If you don't like the content don't go to see it.
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 7:11 AM PDT
  • gripper
    people are stupid!!!!!!!ReTaRds
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 4:48 AM PDT
  • txmedic37
    My husband and I saw the movie and thought it was a riot. People will get their knickers in a twist over something, no matter what you do. Downey's character was basically making fun of Stiller's character, not the mentally challenged. Get over it. I've been a life-long Special "O" supporter and coach. Take stuff in the context it was meant and you wo
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 4:42 AM PDT
  • txmedic37
    My husband and I saw the movie and thought it was a riot. People will get their knickers in a twist over something, no matter what you do. Downey's character was basically making fun of Stiller's character, not the mentally challenged. Get over it. I've been a life-long Special "O" supporter and coach. Take stuff in the context it was meant and you wo
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 4:41 AM PDT
  • newtonslogic
    "Politically Correct" - there's your problem right there. The phrase begins with political. "N" word, "R" word...? gimme a "F" word break...These terms were derived merely as a way for people to convey the words they were thinking without actually saying them. Anyone who uses these phrases instead of having the &q
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 3:15 AM PDT
  • Wow
    Apparently people exist who have been mentally handicapped, somehow came to not be handicapped, and remember the entire experience. I don't know, when I see news video of protests against this movie, and there are mentally challenged or individuals of reduced intelligence or whatever you want to call them, jumping up and down with glee while holding protest signs that someone handed them w
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 2:50 AM PDT
  • uly b
    why be offended? we elected a retard president twice! john mccain is a nazi pig!
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 2:21 AM PDT
  • Jessie
    People are too over sensitive. This was taken way out of context. So how about we go and boycott other movies too, go and write letters demanding Blazing Saddles be burned and never sold in DVD because of the hundreds of references to the N-word or how it stereotyped gay people. Make your list cause there are a lot of movies to ban....
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 2:07 AM PDT
  • talfax7
    I am offended by people who use letters to refer to words, and by hip-hoppers who use derogratory words with impunity. Retarded means slow. The PC terminology of mentally challenged has worse overtones. The movie uses the words for comic effect throwing into sharp relief the insensitivity of most humans. The writers are not making fun of people, they are show people mirror images of who they are.
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 1:45 AM PDT
  • ______
    Ignorance is a life time disability, you will never have the cure too.
    report abuseposted August 25, 2008 1:37 AM PDT
comments 1-10 of 94  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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