Jennifer Lawrence apologises after story about ‘butt-scratching’ on sacred Hawaiian rocks sparks backlash
The Hunger Games star told the anecdote on Graham Norton on Friday night
JENNIFER Lawrence has apologised after her story about 'butt-scratching' on sacred rocks in Hawaii caused an international backlash.
The star appeared on The Graham Norton Show with her co-star Chris Pratt to promote their new film Passengers when she told the unfortunate tale.
The 26-year-old had been filming the Hunger Games franchise in Hawaii when she scratched her wetsuit clad bum on the rocks which cause a landslide.
She explained: "They were sacred and you’re not supposed to sit on them because you’re not supposed to expose your genitalia to them. […] but they were so good for butt-itching.
“One rock that I was butt-scratching on ended up coming loose and it was a giant boulder and it rolled down this mountain and almost killed our sound guy.
"It was this huge, dramatic deal and all these Hawaiians were like ‘Oh my god, it’s the curse’.
"And I’m in the corner going: ‘I’m your curse’,” she continued between peals of laughter.
However, many branded her story "disrespectful" and called on her to apologise.
The clip was shared widely online with many taking to Twitter to express their views.
One person wrote: "Jennifer Lawrence needs to APOLOGISE for DISRESPECTING Hawaiin culture!!! DISGUSTING! Chris Pratt looked really uncomfortable."
Another said: "Jennifer Lawrence: 'I literally wiped my ass with sacred symbols of Hawaii"
Everyone: "so quirky. So relatable'."
A third added: "Did Jennifer Lawrence forget we have Tv & internet here in Hawaii not just butt scratching sacred rocks & thats y she said it? Uncool JLaw!"
Following the outcry, Jennifer took to her official Facebook page to apologise.
She wrote: "From Jen, to the internet: I meant absolutely no disrespect to the Hawaiian people.
"I really thought that I was being self deprecating about the fact that I was "the curse", but I understand the way it was perceived was not funny and I apologize if I offended anyone. (sic)"
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220