- The Washington Times - Saturday, October 29, 2016

Australian actor Chris Hemsworth expressed solidarity on Instagram this week with protesters opposed to the construction of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, but didn’t stop with just showing his support — the “Thor” star’s social media post included a lengthy apology as well.

Mr. Hemsworth, 33, was lambasted last January when photographs surfaced of the actor and his wife, Elsa Pataky, dressed in Native American costumes while attending a “Lone Ranger”-themed holiday party. Now nearly a year later, the actor apologized on Thursday while lending his support to protesters who say constructing the pipeline will ravage the main source of water for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

The apology appeared in the form of a caption that accompanied a photogram the actor shared Thursday where he’s seen holding a sign reading “We stand with Standing Rock” alongside “Thor: Ragnarok” director Taika Waititi.

“Standing with those who are fighting to protect their sacred land and water,” his post began.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to raise something that has been bothering me for sometime,” the actor continued. “Last New Year’s Eve I was at a ’Lone Ranger’ themed party where some of us, myself included, wore the traditional dress of First Nations people.

Mr. Hemsworth wrote that he was “stupidly unaware” at the time of any offense that could taken by his costume and said he “sincerely and unreservedly apologize to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action.”

“I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities. I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way,” the actor wrote.

The Instagram post was published the same day police arrested more than 100 protesters who attempted to block construction of the pipeline. If constructed, the pipeline would carry crude oil more than 1,000 miles from North Dakota to Illinois.

The actor’s apology was “liked” on Instagram more than 369,000 times as of Saturday afternoon. 

• Andrew Blake can be reached at ablake@washingtontimes.com.

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