Sharon Stone apologizes for China remark
BEIJING (AP) -May 29, 2008 The 50-year-old actress said she was "deeply sorry" for
causing anguish and anger among Chinese people with her remarks in
an interview last week. Stone models for Christian Dior SA, and the
company's Shanghai office issued the statement.
Stone's comments caused considerable anger in the Chinese media.
The official Xinhua News Agency said in a commentary Thursday she
was the "public enemy of all mankind."
The public relations manager for Dior in Shanghai who gave only
her surname, Guo, said Stone would no longer appear in the
company's advertisements in China.
"Due to my inappropriate words and acts during the interview, I
feel deeply sorry and sad about hurting Chinese people," Stone
said in the statement. "I am willing to take part in the relief
work of China's earthquake, and wholly devote myself to helping
affected Chinese people."
Chinese media have erupted in indignation over foreign criticism
of the country ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August. During the
international leg of the Olympic torch relay, many Chinese reacted
strongly to protests over China's rule of Tibet.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said Thursday he had taken
note of Stone's apology.
"We hope that as an actress she should contribute to our two
peoples' mutual trust, understanding and friendship," he said.
Stone's original comments were made last week during a Cannes
Film Festival red-carpet interview.
"I'm not happy about the way the Chinese are treating the
Tibetans because I don't think anyone should be unkind to anyone
else," Stone said. "And then this earthquake and all this stuff
happened, and then I thought, is that karma? When you're not nice
that the bad things happen to you?"
