Quentin Tarantino has responded to Rosanna Arquette's criticism of his use of the N-word in Pulp Fiction, accusing her of showing a 'decided lack of class'. In a statement to multiple outlets, the director said he felt disrespected by the actress, who appeared in the 1994 film.
Tarantino suggested Arquette's motives were cynical, stating: 'I hope the publicity you’re getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me and a film I remember quite clearly you were thrilled to be a part of?' He added that there should be 'esprit de corps between artistic colleagues'.
Arquette had told the Sunday Times that Tarantino's use of the N-word was 'not art, it’s just racist and creepy'. The director has faced similar criticism from Spike Lee, who accused him of being 'infatuated with that word'. However, Pulp Fiction star Samuel L Jackson has defended Tarantino, saying the language is not offensive in context.
This latest feud follows Tarantino's earlier criticism of actor Paul Dano, whom he called 'weak sauce' and 'the limpest dick in the world' for his performance in There Will Be Blood. Dano's colleagues, including Toni Collette, defended him, with Collette saying: 'Fuck that guy! He must’ve been high.'
