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John Riley apologizes to Jennifer Connelly; original remarks were “in jest”
| September 12, 2009
It didn’t take long for Astral Media to respond to Jennifer Connelly‘s press-conference message to John Riley, which was this: “I’m sorry I couldn’t be the star of your party last night; my dad died a year ago yesterday, ok? Maybe you didn’t need a rip a photo of my face in half.”
Except she said it with tears and finesse.
Here’s the salient excerpt of the Astral statement, which stresses that Riley was totally kidding, and leaves no possible sorry left unturned!
Although we were very disappointed that Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany did not attend the Astral Media pre-film party at Roy Thomson Hall as had been promised, my remarks and actions were completely in jest and were an attempt to bring humour to an awkward situation where our guests were anticipating their imminent arrival. I was in no way serious when I made the comments and the ripping of the picture was for effect. I sincerely regret if Ms. Connelly was saddened by my actions as I certainly didn’t wish to detract from the premiere of her film at the festival. Clearly, I was unaware of Ms. Connelly’s personal situation and, having lost my own father four months ago, I have great empathy for how difficult an anniversary such as this can be. I continue to be a tremendous fan of hers and hope that she will take my words and actions in the light-hearted spirit in which they were intended and not give this matter another minute of consideration.NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY
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