In a controversial speech given to journalists at Cannes, Von Trier gave some antisemitic remarks in a rambling speech while actress Kirsten Dunst star of his latest film melancholia alongside Jewish star Charlotte Gainsbourg say by in awkward twitches.
He finished by smiling and jokingly concluding ". As for the art, I'm for Speer. Albert Speer I liked. He was also one of God's best children....Okay, I am a Nazi". The festival of Cannes released this statement
The Festival de Cannes provides artists from around the world with an exceptional forum to present their works and defend freedom of expression and creation. The Festival’s Board of Directors, which held an extraordinary meeting this Thursday 19 May 2011, profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars Von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the Festival. The Board of Directors firmly condemns these comments and declares Lars Von Trier a persona non grata at the Festival de Cannes, with effect immediately.
These comments could have an adverse affect on his career, just look at Mel Gibson's pathetic fall from Hollywood's A-list with his antisemitic ramblings. Already Von Trier's Argentine distributer has said in a statement "We clearly condemn Mr. Lars Von Trier's statements and will not support or release his film in the country,"
He has offered an apology which went like this:
"I didn't want to hurt anyone at all. Sometimes I hurt people on purpose, when there's provocation that I want to get through that has a meaning. This doesn't have a meaning. I've studied how bad the Jews have been treated in Poland and France. This is something that matters very much to me. And this was an idiotic way to behave."
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