Russell Crowe: ‘Pathetic bullies’ boycotting hotel owned by Sultan who wants to execute gays
Russell Crowe has refused to back a boycott of Brunei-owned hotels after the country passed laws calling for gays to be stoned to death, labelling a supporter a “pathetic bully”.
After the law was signed, a string of celebrities, including Richard Branson, Ellen Degeneres, Stephen Fry and Sharon Osbourne, began a boycott campaign against luxury hotel chain the Dorchester Collection, owned by the Sultan of Brunei.
LGB rights charity Stonewall confirmed earlier this week that it would no longer use the Dorchester as a venue for events, reversing an earlier decision.
However, Gladiator star Russel Crowe has today announced that he will continue to use the hotels regardless.
The Gladiator star tweeted: “I don’t agree with the boycotting of Dorchester Collection hotels. It only hurts the hard working staff who I consider friends.”
I don’t agree with the boycotting of Dorchester Collection hotels. It only hurts the hard working staff who I consider friends.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 19, 2014
Responding to a follower who labelled his message “very disappointing”, Crowe said: “I am going to block you now. I can see you are just a pathetic bully who can’t deal with any opinion but your own.”
@kevin2kane well Kevin I am going to block you now. I can see you are just a pathetic bully who can’t deal with any opinion but your own — Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 20, 2014
The actor later retweeted a message celebrating Pennsylvania’s marriage ban being struck down.
Update: The actor has since again taken to Twitter to explain his position.
He said: “Sending me abuse will not stop my support of Gay , Lesbian, Bi and Trans Gender rights. The laws that Brunei are adopting are hideous.
“However, throwing the staff of Dorchester Collection Hotels under the bus to make a political point is not acceptable to me.
“These are hard working people with families and I guarantee you they come from all walks of life.
“To me, it is not acceptable collateral damage to ignore them . These are people I know, people I consider friends.”
