Actor Liam Neeson has found himself embroiled in a situation that many find utterly confounding. Speaking to the UK publication The Independent, Neeson — who was doing the interview in support of his new film Cold Pursuit — told Clémence Michallon a story about his reaction to learning someone close to him had been raped by a black man.
“I went up and down areas with a cosh, hoping I’d be approached by somebody–I’m ashamed to say that–and I did it for maybe a week, hoping some [Neeson gestures air quotes with his fingers] ‘Black bastard’ would come out of a pub and have a go at me about something, you know? So that I could…kill him.”
Needless to say, many found the sentiment within his story alarming and accused the actor of anti-black racism. In an attempt to clarify his intention behind telling the story, Neeson appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America the following day and spoke to Robin Roberts.
Since The Independent story ran, many people — including other celebrities — have weighed in with their interpretation of Neeson’s anecdote. One such person was Terry Crews. On Tuesday afternoon, the actor retweeted The Independent‘s story with the comment, “I believe that every person on earth is capable of the greatest good, or unspeakable evil. Liam is just describing his fork in the road.”
I believe that every person on earth is capable of the greatest good, or unspeakable evil.
Liam is just describing his fork in the road. https://t.co/CT5HurMADE
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) February 5, 2019
The tweet’s replies quickly filled with users disagreeing with Crews. No dissenting voice, however, was louder or more fervent that of Wale. In response to Crews’ tweet, the D.C. rapper wrote, “Na. No. Nope. Liam is trash . We losin Brothers all the time because of this proverbial ‘fork’ . Na fam.” This led to a back and forth between the two.
The interaction concluded with Crews replying to a fan, “I never defended Liam Neeson. Still don’t.” You can read the full exchange below.
So what are we gonna do, @wale? https://t.co/WmpbayRMet
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) February 5, 2019
I know what we not gon do , Terry https://t.co/kDKG4mGKUC
— Wale (@Wale) February 5, 2019
So what are we NOT going to do, @wale? https://t.co/wznFTSxZ54
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) February 5, 2019
This is why reading comprehension is so necessary in school.
I never defended Liam Neeson. Still don’t. https://t.co/X9xAJOuJsX
— Terry Crews (@terrycrews) February 5, 2019