Guy Pearce apologises for ‘starting a fire’ over trans casting

Guy Pearce has issued a lengthy apology for “starting a fire” when he suggested that any actor should be able to play a trans character.

In an initial tweet, the Australian actor wrote: “A question - if the only people allowed to play trans characters are trans folk, then are we also suggesting the only people trans folk can play are trans characters?

“Surely that will limit your career as an actor? Isn’t the point of an actor to be able to play anyone outside your own world?”

After a backlash online the star of L.A. Confidential deleted the tweet, saying it was “insensitive”.

He then issued a long statement apologising for “crassly focusing” on an “already-harassed minority”, and noting his own “Full House” of privilege.

The actor wrote: “I see that raising the question of gender identity within the casting process on a platform like Twitter was not a good idea. For that, I apologise, enormously.

“I acknowledge it has only stirred up and inflamed attitudes and made us all dig our heels in. I take responsibility for that and again, apologise for starting a fire.”

Pearce said his original question stemmed from the fact that “many people” had asked him over the years if “gay people should have played” the roles in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

His breakout part was as a drag queen in the 1994 film alongside Terrance Stamp and Hugo Weaving.

He wrote: “Similar discussions are occurring about trans actors and trans roles. The point I wanted to raise was one about defending the definition of acting and nothing more.

“Throwing the subject onto one minority group in particular was unnecessary, especially from a man like me, with a ‘Full House’ of privilege. I’m in no position to complain about fairness, at least not on my own behalf.”

He said actors should not have to declare their personal identity, sexual preference or political stance.

He added: “I believe that to suggest ‘acting’ can only come from our own lived experience annihilates our imagination.

“I wouldn’t want that restriction placed on a minority actor or any actor for that matter, myself included.”