The pair of superhero studs are facing a lot of backlash from fans and feminists around the world for referring to Scarlet Johansson's character in Avengers: Age of Ultron as a "
Slut" and a "
Whore." Although the actors were clearly joking around, the profanity brings to light very important issues that plague Comic Book Movies in Hollywood today.
Marvel's
Avengers team in particular have had a disproportionate representation of diversity. With only one female in the team, and all white male actors in the main team, Marvel had the opportunity to change this in the upcoming
Avengers: Age of Ultron, but ended up adding two actors who are also caucasian (Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver). Although every single original Avenger have had their own solo films (apart from Hawkeye), Scarlet Johansson's Black Widow has always played a supporting role in her male counterpart's films.
This video in particular references the fact that Black Widow has been in relationships with both Captain America and Hawkeye, and will additionally have a romantic relationship with the Hulk.
Digital Spy: I have a very serious question to start with, about "ship-ing." I know a lot of fans were actually pretty invested in the idea of Natasha (Black Widow) being with either or both of you guys, and now obviously she's with Bruce. What do you guys think about that?
Renner: She's a slut.
Evans: [Laughs] I was going to say something along that line. She's a complete Whore.
Renner: Trick man.
Evans: Slut [Laughs].
A day later the pair quickly released the following apologies, which the media are calling 'weak'.
1. Chris Evans released the following statement: "Yesterday we were asked about the rumors that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with both Hawkeye and Captain America. We answered in a very juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans. I regret it, and we sincerely apologize."
2. Jeremy Renner meanwhile released his own statement to the press: "I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone. It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour."
What do you guys think?