After facing backlash for his remarks about Keanu Reeves in his recently published memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” actor Matthew Perry has pledged to remove all references to the actor in future editions of the book, according to reports by USA Today (usatoday.com) and other outlets.
The book includes a passage that questions why Reeves “still walks among us” while other young stars like River Phoenix have passed away. Perry has since apologized for the comment, calling it “a mean thing to do” during an appearance at a recent festival, as reported by Yahoo (yahoo.com).
The controversy has prompted Perry to reconsider the way he approaches his writing, as he told the crowd at the festival, “I said a stupid thing and instead of just owning it, and making it right, I said another stupid thing and then another stupid thing.”
The removal of the Keanu Reeves references is part of Perry’s effort to make amends and make his memoir a more positive representation of his life, according to Vulture (vulture.com). While fans of the “Friends” star may be disappointed to see Perry distance himself from the controversial content, he appears committed to making sure that the book accurately reflects his character and values.
The situation also serves as a reminder of the power of the written word and the need to choose one’s words carefully, particularly in the age of social media where every comment can potentially impact one’s public image. As The Washington Post (washingtonpost.com) notes, Perry’s decision to remove the Reeves references is “a sign of the times — a tacit acknowledgement that words matter, as do the reactions to them.”
Though Perry may have initially faced criticism for his comments, his willingness to listen to feedback and take action to correct his mistakes will likely earn him more respect from his fans and colleagues alike. As he told the festival crowd, “I’m not that guy, I’m sorry I was, and I won’t be again.”
