Former Bond star George Lazenby has issued an apology amid accusations he made “unacceptable” comments during an on-stage interview in Perth, Australia on Saturday.
The 83-year-old has been removed from the last leg of the national concert tour, The Music of James Bond, after sparking backlash for his remarks, which some audience members found offensive.
Sharing an apology on Monday, Lazenby wrote on Twitter: “I am sorry and saddened to hear that my stories in Perth on Saturday might have offended some people.
“It was never my intention to make hurtful or homophobic comments and I am truly sorry if my stories that I have shared many times were taken that way.
“I only wish to share some stories and hopefully entertain some people. I personally have friends within my close circle who are gay and I would never wish to offend anyone.”
As reported by The Guardian, Lazenby allegedly shared stories during the event, remarking on his “sexual conquests”, used poor language, and made “homophobic” comments about the LGBTQ+ community.
I am sorry and saddened to hear that my stories in Perth on Saturday might have offended some people. It was never my intention to make hurtful or homophobic comments and I am truly sorry if my stories that I have shared many times were taken that way. I only ever wish to share pic.twitter.com/zD9jEazNm2
— George Lazenby (@lazenbyofficial) September 12, 2022
In light of the controversy, a theatre producer Concertworks issued a statement saying they were “extremely saddened and disappointed” by Lazenby’s “language, comments and recollections”.
Special counsel Aaron Kernaghan said: “Concertworks is extremely saddened and disappointed by George Lazenby’s language, comments and recollections during The Music of James Bond concert at the Perth Concert Hall on Saturday 10 September.
“These were his personal views and there is no excuse for this in today’s society. They do not reflect the views of Concertworks.
“They do not reflect the views of Concertworks. On behalf of Concertworks, we sincerely apologise to the audience, performers, conductor, WASO and the Perth Concert Hall.
“Concertworks denounces Mr Lazenby’s conduct and the final Music of James Bond concert in Melbourne will proceed without Mr Lazenby in attendance.”
Lazenby starred as the fictional British spy in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, before Sean Connery took up the role one last time in Diamonds Are Forever.
Connery was replaced by Roger Moore in 1973’s Live and Let Die. The Evening Standard has contacted George Lazenby’s rep for comment.
