Sam Elliott Apologises For ‘Power Of The Dog’ Criticism

Sam Elliott has issued an apology for his criticism of Jane Campion’s Oscar-winning western, The Power of The Dog.

The 77-year-old actor lambasted the 2021 picture as “a piece of s**t” with “allusions of homosexuality” during an appearance on the Marc Maron podcast.

Appearing to take issue with the characters’ costumes, which he compared to Chippendales dancers, Elliott also seemed to suggest that Campion, as a New Zealand native, knew very little about the American West, stating: “What the f**k does this woman from down there know about the American West?”

Now, while promoting his Paramount+ series 1883, Elliott backtracked on some of his comments and apologised to the cast and crew.

“I told the WTF podcaster that I thought Jane Campion was a brilliant director, and I want to apologise to the cast of The Power of the Dog, brilliant actors all,” he said. “And in particular Benedict Cumberbatch. I can only say that I’m sorry and I am. I am.”

Adding that the film had “struck a chord” with him, Elliott said that he would like the opportunity to discuss the film with Campion.

“I wasn’t very articulate about it. I didn’t articulate it very well,” he said. “And I said some things that hurt people and I feel terrible about that. The gay community has been incredible to me my entire career. And I mean my entire career, from before I got started in this town.”

“Friends on every level and every job description up until today.” He added, “I’m sorry I hurt any of those friends and someone that I loved. And anyone else by the words that I used.”

Responding to Elliott’s comments during a Deadline interview in March, Campion said: “I think it’s really unfortunate and sad for him, because he has really hit the trifecta of misogyny and xenophobia and homophobia.”

“I don’t like that. I think he was being a little bit of a b***h. Plus he’s not a cowboy, he’s an actor.”

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