Spike Lee has apologized for appearing to defend Woody Allen from allegations of sexual assault and abuse.

The Da 5 Bloods director originally told New York’s WOR 710 in a radio interview June 12 that Woody, who he considers his friend, is “going through it” because of cancel culture.

“I’d just like to say Woody Allen is a great, great filmmaker, and this cancel thing–it’s not just Woody,” he said. “And I think that when we look back on it we’re going to see that short of killing somebody, I don’t know if you can just erase somebody like they never existed.”

“Woody’s a friend of mine, a fellow [New York] Knicks fan, so I know he’s going through it right now,” he continued.

After backlash, Lee tweeted a mea culpa June 13, writing, “I deeply apologize. My words were WRONG. I do not and will not tolerate sexual harassment, assault or violence. Such treatment causes real damage that can’t be minimized.”

I Deeply Apologize. My Words Were WRONG. I Do Not And Will Not Tolerate Sexual Harassment, Assault Or Violence. Such Treatment Causes Real Damage That Can’t Be Minimized.-Truly, Spike Lee.

— Spike Lee (@SpikeLeeJoint) June 13, 2020

Da 5 Bloods is available for viewing on Netflix.

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