Stephen Fry has apologised after suggesting that survivors of sexual abuse who express self-pity should 'grow up'. The actor and broadcaster made the comments during an appearance on the US talk show The Rubin Report.
In a statement on the Mind website, Fry said: 'It distresses me greatly to think that I have upset anyone... I of course apologise unreservedly for hurting feelings the way I did.' He added that if he gave the impression of belittling rape and abuse, he was 'so, so sorry'.
During the interview, Fry said: 'There are many great plays which contain rapes... if you say you can't watch this play... because uncle touched you in a nasty place, well, I'm sorry... your self-pity gets none of my sympathy because self-pity is the ugliest emotion in humanity.'
Victims of sexual assault criticised Fry, including Tracey Merrett, who wrote an open letter saying she felt angry at his 'heartless, glib' remarks. Mind, the mental health charity of which Fry is president, said he was speaking in a personal context and praised his work raising awareness of mental health issues.
