Posted on 08/09/2002 6:58:34 AM PDT by Lazamataz
He's one of Hollywood's hottest actors and, with Natural Born Killers among his starring roles, is no stranger to controversy.
But now Woody Harrelson has taken another brave step - he's passionately defended George Michael over his anti-Bush and Blair single Shoot The Dog.
The 41-year-old star - currently appearing in On An Average Day opposite Kyle MacLachlan at the Comedy Theatre in London - has hit out at the backlash against the song's lyrics which criticise George Bush, Tony Blair and the war on terror since September 11.
At his play's after-show party on Wednesday night, Woody told Jessica: "I saw the Daily Mirror's front page on George Michael and I thought it was brilliant. I've always been a fan but he's right up there now. I think he's a great guy.
"I haven't seen the video for his song but I was fascinated by what he had to say.
"He's incredibly brave to have done that song. Especially when doing something like that could be considered very dangerous in today's world."
Harrelson - who is famous for his role as the dim barman Woody in Cheers and who stunned audiences with his powerful portrayal of a murderer in Natural Born Killers - is the first American to stand up and defend the 39-year-old British singer.
The former Wham! star caused outrage by using the Daily Mirror's Howdy Poodle front page, which poked fun at the special relationship between Britain and the US, on the single's cover.
"I can't believe he got so criticised in America for it. It's so unfair," said Woody. "I hear he's too scared to go over to the States now. What a joke. I'd really like to meet George.
"I want to congratulate him on standing up and speaking out.
"I totally support him and wish him all the best. It would really make my day if you could set up a meeting with me and George. I just want to shake that guy by the hand."
He also had nothing but praise for the Daily Mirror.
"I have one thing to say about the Mirror - it's amazing," he said. "The paper's stance on the war against terrorism is just right. It's so bold.
"The war against terrorism is terrorism. The whole thing is just bullsh*t. What you guys have done is very brave."
Woody - who was with his wife Laura and their two daughters Deni, nine, and five-year-old Zoe at the party at Adam Street private members' club - has been living in London for two months. He has homes in Hawaii and Costa Rica and proclaims to be a vegan, although he was gobbling up the canapes at the party.
"I love it over here, man," he grinned, sipping a pint of beer.
"I've been really busy but now the play has started I want to have a little fun. There's a little spot I go to but I'd rather not tell you where it is."
London cab driver Les Dartnell also attended the play.
In June Woody was wrestled to the ground by policemen and arrested after he went berserk in the back of Les's taxi. The cabbie said the star acted like a "caged animal".
Within minutes of Les picking the actor up from Chinawhite at 2am, Woody had trashed the cab. He then booted the door open and made a run for it.
Les dropped the charges after Woody paid him £542.96 and the two men shook hands after the play. "He said, 'No hard feelings'," said Woody. "He seemed like a nice guy. It's just one of those terrible circumstances."
Source please! Especially for that last part...
Damn right. He's a lot braver than our S.F. guys in Afghanistan. Give him a medal. (sarcasm off)
Yeah, they lost me right there -- no need to read further.
Couldn't get your link to come up, but there are very clear pictures of these "tramps" available. Has his inclusion in this group been verified.
I've read a lot on the assassination but this is new to me...and fascinating if true!
SAY WHAT????????
He's almost in the "has been" Hollywood Square category.
If you listen to CSPAN, there are quite a few of your fellow Americans who are disturbed and frightened about aspects of 911 and the WOT.
The demonization of these people is very unjust and very dangerous to the future of this country as we proceed in our fight against terror.
The potential of improprieties, criminal negligence, and subversives in government/power are not eradicated by the reality that "Islam hates our guts", nor the reality that fundamentalist terrorists wish to and have harmed us.
The current call for a war on Iraq cannot be compared to the Gulf war when ridiculing dissenters concerns. It takes two to tango and the pro-war faction is nearly as responsible for turning this into a holy war or 'clash of civilizations' as Osama and his Islamic ilk.
My stance is this: Anyone speaking from their heart and with a relative degree of rationality, as opposed to mania, should be given leeway and patient reconciliation.
There are serious dangers in suppression of dialog through the slanderous call of 'traitor'. This applies to inflammatory remarks made by Harrelson as equally as it applies to those who pounce on anyone bringing up other concerns about the WOT.
Reality is not a black and white entity, there are composite truths surrounding 911. As I witness the national dialog, as well as FR postings, I am disgusted by the demeanor of my fellow Americans.
"Ignoring issues" and insisting all people ascribe to a unilateral absolute reality on a highly complex situation is not going to work. It is sheer hate on both sides.
People using this technique are only furthering the destruction of the US, it is they who are furthering Osamas goal.
America was deeply wounded on 911, and I really can't blame those who do not trust "the establishment" -- both (D) and (R) had distrust in FEDGOV long before 911, and that distrust does not simply evaporate when "the right guy" occupies the White House.
I am asking people to consider that some of thier fellow Americans simply do not have the anesthetic of being 'in power' and please try not to throw salt into the wound of 911.
It doesnt matter if 'they' or 'you' are more right or wrong, it doesnt matter *who* is more maniacal, insane, misled, delusional or paranoid.
What matters is we are all Americans and are in desperate need of sutures and healing, both between the parties and between the citizens and the powers that be.
I am calling for compassion and understanding and rational dialog. Please.
Or - Ala Clinton in Briton in his draft dodging days preparing for his future run for Demoncrat candidate for president of the United States.
Here are two birds of a feather.
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