The cast of "Guardians of the Galaxy" Monday released a letter to fans on social media expressing their support for director James Gunn, who was dropped from the third film in the series by Disney two weeks ago when offensive tweets about pedophilia he made years ago surfaced.
"There is little due process in the court of public opinion," the letter states. "James is likely not the last good person to be put on trial. Given the growing political divide in this country, it's safe to say instances like this will continue, although we hope Americans from across the political spectrum can ease up on the character assassinations and stop weaponizing mob mentality."
A few words from the Guardians of the Galaxy #wearegroot pic.twitter.com/s62ffGtOQo
— Karen Gillan (@karengillan) July 30, 2018
The plea was signed by Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Â Sean Gunn and Pom Klementieff.
Gunn directed the first two "Guardians" films.
His cast said: "The character he has shown in the wake of his firing is consistent with the man he was every day on set, and his apology, now and from years ago when first addressing these remarks, we believe is from the heart, a heart we all know, trust, and love. In cast each of us to help him tell the story of misfits who find redemption, he changed our lives forever. We believe the theme of redemption has never been more relevant than now."
In an additional statement, Klementieff said: "Though I don't support James Gunn's inappropriate jokes from years ago he is a good man. I'd personally love to see him reinstated as director of Volume 3."
Explained Gizmodo, "The question now becomes how Disney will react – and what happens if Gunn isn't rehired on the film."
A commentary at the DailyWire said the staff members "are right."
"Social media mobbing has become a sport for many – and taking scalps is the object of the sport. I think Gunn's old tweets are egregiously awful – unfunny, stupid, offensive, and all the rest. But they are old tweets Disney knew about then they hired him. They are jokes."
Author Ben Shapiro said: "We should all hope that this incident actually triggers some self-reflection from everyone. Both political sides should understand that we've created mutually assured destruction here – that anyone can be destroyed at any time…
"Hollywood, I'm happy to endorse a program of live and let live when it comes to political rhetoric and comdy. But you're going to have to do the same if you don't want this boomerang to come back home to you."