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.
The problem is Jennifer Connelly and Paul Bettany DID show up for the party. They just did not stay long and they checked with the representatives who gave them their blessings that they could leave as long as they please stayed in the press line first (which they did). His first sentence…”As they promised” is insulting. She kept her word. He was not joking. He just feels bad now. Connelly seems to have great class and is known in Hollywood as being a very private person. It must have been extremely difficult for her to say what she did when it was such a private matter. And you are right, her revenge was flawless. Way to go Connelly, you’re a better person than i would be under those same circumstances.
Back peddling douche! To try and make the excuse that his remarks was in jest is very poor and I don’t think anyone believes his pathetic excuse. He ripped her picture for God’s sake! That’s supposed to be funny how?
IDIOT!
http://www.edmontonsun.com/entertainment/movies/2009/09/10/10838691.html#/entertainment/movies/2009/09/11/pf-10846931.html
Attention John Riley, you are a DOUCHEBAG. Enjoy your time in the unemployment line – it is well deserved.
who cares. this is bottom of the barrel TMZ crap.
John Riley – You sir are a blazing molotov douche! I just completed a search so I can avoid Astral Media’s product. Thank you for calling attention to your spoiled, uber-Hollywood, 9 year-old mentality.
I know John Riley personally and there is not a more caring, honest, funny, person of character that I have ever met. He did lose his dad those months ago and believe me he feels terribly that this was interpreted this way.
John Riley is one of the warmest, most decent human beings I have ever known, he apologized for his actions, I believe he was sincere.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Man, I never expected my dad to be famous enough to have media-invented feuds with celebrities.