Hollywood star Liam Neeson is no stranger to guns and bullets in his hit movies, but he has recently come under fire in the real world from an American gun manufacturer.
Para, the firm who provided guns for Neeson’s latest movie, Taken 3, were furious about some of Neeson’s recent comments and are planning to lead a boycott of the Irish actor’s movies.
Neeson had said that he didn’t believe movies were to blame for gun violence in America, rather it was the fact that guns were readily available and easy to purchase.
He told Gulf News: “There’s too many f***ing guns out there. Especially in America. I think the population is like, 320 million? There’s over 300 million guns. Privately owned, in America. I think it’s a f***ing disgrace. Every week now we’re picking up a newspaper and seeing, ‘Yet another few kids have been killed in schools’.”
Para didn’t take kindly to Neeson’s comments and accused the Co Antrim actor of being ignorant and disrespectful of American history and culture.
They have vowed not to provide guns for any of Neeson’s future films.
A statement from Para said: “PARA USA regrets its decision to provide firearms for use in the film “Taken 3”. While the film itself is entertaining, comments made by its Irish-born star during press junkets reflect a cultural and factual ignorance that undermines support of the Second Amendment and American liberties.
“We will no longer provide firearms for use in films starring Liam Neeson and ask that our friends and partners in Hollywood refrain from associating our brand and products with his projects. Further, we encourage our partners and friends in the firearms industry to do the same.”
Para’s stance is unlikely to concern the 62-year-old actor too much, as he has often said that he finds it bemusing that he is cast in such action roles at his age.
He has a few films in the pipeline this year including Martin Scorsese’s historical drama, ‘Silence’. However, another film – Run All Night – will see Neeson in another action role – as an ageing hitman.
Liam_Neeson.html