Chris Hemsworth publicly pledged his support for the Standing Rock Sioux protests over a controversial oil pipeline — while also apologizing to Native Americans for an outfit worn at a New Year’s Eve party last year.
“Standing with those who are fighting to protect their sacred land and water,’ the Aussie actor wrote on social media alongside a photo of him holding a placard with “Thor: Ragnarok” director Taika Waititi, who is of Maori descent.
Hemsworth’s “Thor: Ragnarok” co-star, Mark Ruffalo, has demonstrated against the Dakota Access Pipeline with the Sioux in North Dakota, where police in riot gear have clashed with protesters.
The $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline spans four states and has come under fire for desecrating sacred burial sites on the Sioux reservation. Critics also warn it will threaten drinking water for thousands of tribal members and potentially millions of others.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to raise something that has been bothering me for some time,” Hemsworth continued offering up a mea culpa for a Native American outfits he and wife Elsa Pataky donned last December at a Lone Ranger themed bash.
“I was stupidly unaware of the offence this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologize to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action. I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities. I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way,” he concluded.
The “Avengers” star was heavily criticized for the costume on social media with one fan simply commenting, “Can’t put into words how wrong this is.”
