Following backlash for a post pertaining to the social distancing protocols that have been implemented to combat spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Ant-Man and the Wasp star Evangeline Lilly has issued a heartfelt apology.
In a March 16 Instagram post, Lilly implied she would not be keeping her family indoors as concerns regarding the Coronavirus grew. Just dropped my kids off at gymnastics camp," she wrote. "They all washed their hands before going in. They are playing and laughing. #BusinessAsUsual." This post resulted in criticism not just from fans, but from the likes of Lilly's former Lost co-star Maggie Grace and Game of Thrones and X-Men star Sophie Turner.
In a new Instagram post, Lilly decided to clear the air, apologizing for her initial post and expressed regret for her comments and their larger implications. "Hello everyone," she wrote. "I am writing you from my home where I have been social distancing since March 18 -- when social distancing was instituted in the small community where I am currently living. At the time of my March 16 post, the directs from the authorities here were that we not congregate in groups of more than [250 people] and that we wash our hands regularly, which we were doing. Two days later, those directives changed and, despite my intense trepidation over the socioeconomic and political repercussions of this course of action, please know that I am doing my part to flatten the curve, practicing social distancing and staying at home with me family."
Lilly continued, "I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology for the insensitivity I showed in my previous post to the very real suffering and fear that has gripped the world through COVID-19. Grandparents, parents, children, sisters and brothers are dying, the world is rallying to find a way to stop this very real threat, and my ensuing silence has sent a dismissive, arrogant and cryptic message.
My direct and special apologies to those most affected by this pandemic. I never meant to hurt you. When I wrote that post 10 days ago, I thought I was infusing calm into the hysteria. I can see now that I was projecting my own fears into an already fearful and traumatic situation."
The actor says she is "grieved by the ongoing loss of life" as well as the "impossible decisions medical workers around the world must make as they treat those affected. I am concerned for our communities -- small businesses and families living paycheck-to-paycheck -- and I am trying to follow responsible recommendations for how to help. Like many of you, I fear for the political aftermath of this pandemic, and I am praying for us all."
That said, the actor explains she is also "heartened by the beauty and humanity I see so many people demonstrating toward one another in this vulnerable time. When I was grappling with my own fears over social distancing, one kind, wise and gracious person said to me, 'do it out of love, not fear' and it helped me to realize my place in all of this. Sending love to you, even if you can't return it right now."