Actor Selma Blair has come out in defense of long-time friend James Gunn following the director's firing by Disney/Marvel from the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, calling him "one of the good ones."

Gunn was axed after a series of old, offensive jokes he made online resurfaced, but Blair has made it clear he isn't that person anymore, and by following through on the firing, Marvel (and by extension, Disney) are not advocating forgiveness.

RELATED: James Gunn Fired From Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Blair tweeted an online petition which wants the company to re-hire Gunn while adding: "Because if people are punished despite changing, then what does that teach people about owning mistakes and evolving? This man is one of the good ones."

Gunn apologized for these tweets just before his firing, and later issued a statement saying he accepted Marvel's decision on the matter. Blair, however, is standing by Gunn, who she says helped her through a dark time in the industry when she was harassed, and relied on him and Doctor Strange director, Scott Derrickson, for support.

RELATED: Sean Gunn Comments on James Gunn’s Firing from GOTG3

In just two days, the petition has garnered over 83,000 signatures, targeting 150,000, as fans continue to voice their wishes to have him reinstated to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Blair has been joined by Drax actor, Dave Bautista, as well as Sean Gunn, James' brother (and Kraglin from the MCU), in offering solidarity for the director.

(via The Hollywood Reporter)