After the ensuing backlash, the actor attempted to spin his comment as an attack against Ryan for perceived failure to address gun violence and not an attack on faith.Actor Wil Wheaton faced a tremendous amount of backlash Sunday after he shared an angry tweet suggesting that prayers for Texas are worthless.
Wheaton shared an inflammatory tweet shortly after the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, which claimed the lives of over two dozen people and injuring several more.
What Did Wheaton Say?
Wheaton’s comments were an angry response to an earlier tweet shared by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.):
Reports out of Texas are devastating. The people of Sutherland Springs need our prayers right now.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) November 5, 2017
Wheaton then responded:
they were literally praying while they died. They don’t need lawmakers to pray; they need lawmakers to make laws. You huge sack of shit. https://t.co/1cxjKAHm9j
— Anthony Oliveira (@meakoopa) November 5, 2017
What Was The Response To Wheaton?
Wheaton’s tweet received more than 5,000 comments, many of them shocked that the actor would diminish positive sentiments like prayers in the wake of such a tragedy.
Some users replied:
That’s not how prayers work @wilw. I suggest you check that attitude. We’re all frustrated. Religious intolerance won’t solve this.
— Joshua (@Bluewitness) November 5, 2017
I agree. Faith without works is dead. But prayer is powerful. And yes Jesus dislikes hypocrisy. But insulting believers is not okay.
— elia (@eliamitzell) November 5, 2017
One thing to attack a politician, it’s another to attack the innocent dead and all religion. Looks like you’re the worthless sack of shit…
— Bryan McNally ???????? (@BryanDMcNally) November 5, 2017
How Did Wheaton Respond To The Backlash?
After the ensuing backlash, the actor attempted to spin his comment as an attack against Ryan for a perceived failure to address gun violence and not an attack on faith.
I’m not talking about religion or faith at all. I am talking about the speaker of the house who does nothing to address gun violence. https://t.co/PjfjR2G1Ut
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) November 5, 2017
The actor later published an official apology, writing:
Hey, real and actual people of faith: I hear you. I apologise for insulting you, in my rage at Paul Ryan’s refusal to address gun violence.
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) November 5, 2017
Your faith is your business, and people like Paul Ryan exploit it while they hide behind words without deeds, and people continue to die.
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) November 5, 2017
h/t (Blaze)
