Emily Blunt has issued an apology after making a comment about becoming an American citizen that caused a blacklash on social media.
Promoting her film, Sicario, Blunt joked to The Hollywood Reporter that she was regretting becoming an American citizen after watching the Republican debate:
"I became an American citizen recently, and that night, we watched the Republican debate and I thought, 'This was a terrible mistake. What have I done?'" she said.
The London-born actress added: “I’m not sure I’m entirely thrilled about (becoming a American).
“People ask me about the whole day. They were like, ''Oh it must have been so emotional.’ I was like, ‘It wasn’t, it was sad. I like being British’.”
Despite the fact that Blunt was joking, her comments caused offence on social media, and Fox TV channel presenter Anna Kooiman blasted Blunt on the* Fox & Friends* TV show:
“You know what, then why don't you leave Hollywood, California,” Kooiman said.
She added: "Let some American women take on the roles that you're getting, because Americans are watching your movies and lining your pockets."
Now Emily Blunt has issued on apology on the Today Show, insisting she was just joking:
"It was so not the intention to hurt anybody or cause any offense, so I really apologize to those that I caused offense," she said. "It was just an offhand joke. I think I'll probably leave the political jokes to late night or something."
She told host Savannah Guthrie that becoming an American was actually really meaningful to her:
“It's really meaningful,” she said.
“You know, I mean, my two favourite people in the world are American - my husband (John Krasinski) and my daughter.
“It was kind of a special day. Yeah, it was great.”