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Marvel and Lost actor Evangeline Lilly found herself at the centre of some drama last week after she admitted she was choosing not to practise social distancing in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic because she "values her freedom over her life".
On Monday last week, Evangeline posted a photo on Instagram, letting her followers know that she'd just dropped her kids off at gymnastics camp.
The post was immediately met with criticism from commenters who called her "irresponsible" and urged her to stay home, but Evangeline wasn't having any of it and definitely made her own thoughts on the matter known.
It's safe to say people weren't too impressed by Evangeline's statement, with even fellow celeb Sophie Turner indirectly calling her out for being "fucking stupid".
"Don't be fucking stupid," Sophie said in an Instagram Live. "Even if you count your 'freedom over your health', I don't give a fuck about your freedom."
Well, now it seems Evangeline has done some reflecting, and has apologised for her previous statement in a lengthy message posted on Instagram.
In the post, she admitted she has been social distancing since March 18 — two days after she published her original post — and assured her followers that she is "doing her part" to flatten the curve.
"I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology for the insensitivity I showed in my previous post to the very real suffering and fear that has gripped the world through COVID19," Evangeline said.
She concluded: "When I was grappling with my own fears over social distancing, one kind, wise and gracious person said to me 'do it out of love, not fear' and it helped me to realise my place in all of this."
Here is Evangeline's statement in full:
Hello everyone.
I am writing you from my home where I have been social distancing since Mar 18th – when social distancing was instituted in the small community where I am currently living.
At the time of my Mar 16th post, the directives from the authorities here were that we not congregate in groups of more than 250ppl and that we wash our hands regularly, which we were doing.
Two days later, those directives changed and, despite my intense trepidation over the socioeconomic and political repercussions of this course of action, PLEASE KNOW I AM DOING MY PART TO FLATTEN THE CURVE, PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING HOME WITH MY FAMILY.
I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology for the insensitivity I showed in my previous post to the very real suffering and fear that has gripped the world through COVID19. Grandparents, parents, children, sisters and brothers are dying, the world is rallying to find a way to stop this very real threat, and my ensuing silence has sent a dismissive, arrogant and cryptic message.
My direct and special apologies to those most affected by this pandemic. I never meant to hurt you. When I wrote that post 10 days ago, I thought I was infusing calm into the hysteria. I can see now that I was projecting my own fears into an already fearful and traumatic situation.
I am grieved by the ongoing loss of life, and the impossible decisions medical workers around the world must make as they treat those affected. I am concerned for our communities – small businesses and families living paycheck-to-paycheck – and I am trying to follow responsible recommendations for how to help. Like many of you, I fear for the political aftermath of this pandemic, and I am praying for us all.
At the same time, I am heartened by the beauty and humanity I see so many people demonstrating toward one another in this vulnerable time. When I was grappling with my own fears over social distancing, one kind, wise and gracious person said to me “do it out of love, not fear” and it helped me to realize my place in all of this.
Sending love to all of you, even if you can’t return it right now.
EL