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Cameron Diaz Apologizes for Communist Handbag
Monday June 25, 2007
Cameron Diaz at the Machu Picchu, Peru on June 21, 2007.
SP/X17online.com
Monday June 25, 2007
SP/X17online.com
Cameron Diaz has apologized to the people of Peru for committing a fashion (and political) “don’t” over the weekend.
Diaz, 34, visited the Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru on Friday carrying a green messenger bag featuring a red star and the words "Serve the People" printed in Chinese, an infamous political slogan of Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong.
For Peruvians, the catchphrase evokes painful memories of the Maoist Shining Path guerilla movement of the 1980s and early 90s, which left nearly 70,000 people dead.
"I sincerely apologize to anyone I may have inadvertently offended. The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China and I did not realize the potentially hurtful nature of the slogan printed on it," Diaz said in a statement to the Associated Press.
Peruvian human rights activist Pablo Rojas suggested that Diaz should exercise more social and cultural awareness when selecting her accessories.
"It alludes to a concept that did so much damage to Peru, that brought about so many victims," said Rojas.
"I don't think she should have used that bag where the followers of that ideology" did so much damage to the culture.
The Shrek the Third actress is touring the South American country as part of the Canadian television show, 4 Real, which focuses on young community leaders around the world.
Diaz added: "I'm sorry for any people's pain and suffering and it was certainly never my intention to reopen what I now know is a painful wound in this country's history and wish for their continued healing."
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Posted by Noelle Hancock at 10:41 am ET
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48 Comments
10:57 PM
Anonymous Says:
10:00 PM
Anonymous Says:
cool bag, where can I get one?.................just kidding
12:59 PM
Cecilia Says:
Oh, I agree with that, she should have done better and given a better apology, my point is, this wasn't some kind of political debate or that we know she deliberatedly wanted to hurt us. Like you have pointed out, it is just plain ignorance. This is just one mistake she made, I am not holding it against her, WE are not holding it against her. If anything, she will learn from this that she has to read and study a little bit more the cultures of the countries she is going to visit.
12:58 AM
Anonymous Says:
Cecilia, here is why I have to disagree with you. Cameron DID NOT REPUDIATE the ideology represented by the star in her apology, which would have been the right thing to do. Cameron Diaz is much older than most actresses. She was around during the Cold War and should remember the abuses of Communism clearly. The red star, especially in the context of a trip to China, really is a highly recognizable symbol to most people in her age group. If Cameron really did not recognize it, then her level of ignorance is appalling. It is still forgiveable, but where is her statement saying not that she is sorry that she wore something that is merely "hurtful" (a condescending remark), but that the red star doesn't represent her beliefs? I think Cameron should have done better.
10:26 PM
Anonymous Says:
Cam is a moron. But I’m sure an ignorant giggle and an “oopsie” on her part will rectify the situation. Oh wait, it already has. Seriously… how can you be so dumb and make so much money at the same time? America is f*cked up
7:03 PM
Cecilia Says:
Ok, this is totally being blown out of proportion. Here are the facts guys. I am Peruvian, I have 29 years old and I lived through the terror years (1980-1992 aprox.) A lot, and I mean a lot of lives where lost by the hands of this terrorist group Sendero Luminoso, who followed some communist ideals and took them to the extreme. Thank God, those years are over and we live in absolute peace now. Sure Cameron made a mistake by wearing that handbag because it had a symbol which we associate with this terrorist group. But it was clearly an innocent mistake. The people in Cuzco pointed that to her and she apologized inmediately. All is forgotten.
She is still visiting the different sites and places near Machu Picchu and she is being very nice. Locals are completely fascinated with her, and I'm sure she is also with everyone she is meeting.
Let's end this discussion here because the peruvians have let it go the moment she apologized, maybe you guys should also do that.
6:55 PM
Anonymous Says:
Yes 5:36! That's exactly what I am trying to say.
6:50 PM
Anonymous Says:
Your argument that Bin Laden's face is recognizable so therefore not applicable is questionable. Bin Laden's face is recognizable especially to Americans becuase of our past, just as the Peruvians recognize that Maoist symbol and connect it to the 70,000 people who died ( a much larger scale than 9/11). Don't dismiss their history just because you are unfamiliar with it.
6:37 PM
KEREN Says:
I DON'T NECESSARILY THINK CAMERON IS THE PRETTIEST IN HOLLYWOOD (THAT WOULD BE ANGELINA!) BUT CAMERON SURE HAS THE BEST STYLE OUT OF ALL OF THE CELEBS HANDS DOWN. SHE LOOKS AMAZING IN EVERY OUTFIT WHETHER ITS CASUAL OR RED CARPET. AND THE GIRL HAS THE BEST LEGS TOO. SO GO CAMERON!
6:07 PM
Kiki Says:
Yes 5:47 I'm extremely fat! you are ignorant! We're insensitive to other cultures? You're calling me fat b/c I'm an american? hahaha...you should feel like a MORON! I said i understand people are hurt by this...hate the chinese that did it...not poor cam for her mistake! Did she take those lives?
6:01 PM
Guapa Says:
Poor, poor, ignorant thing. She thought she was making a democratic political statement. This is what happens when an airhead actress dabbles into politics that she knows nothing about. Shut the F$#@ up and stick with acting, girl.
5:47 PM
Anonymous Says:
kik=stereotypical shallow, fat, stupid American
5:41 PM
Kiki Says:
I swear some of you are so irrational and maybe too emotional! IT IS A HANDBAG! It doesn't make her insensitive to other cultures! And who hasn't bought something b/c it looks cool? And another thing..you people are saying she's stupid....do you think every celeb studies the history of the countries they visit? NO! If she wasn't Cameran Diaz then this wouldn't even be an issue!
5:38 PM
Anonymous Says:
534 anon- so can a lot of other countries.
5:36 PM
Anonymous Says:
It's more than a handbag, it's propangada of a time that is hurtful to a lot people. Because a lot of them lost their lives. It's like wearing a bag with the nazy symbol and hitlers picture, while visiting israel.
5:34 PM
Anonymous Says:
A lot of americans can be insensitive to other cultures, but overall it is a great country, it's pretty obvious she is not that smart, she just buys something because she thinks it looks cool, in other words she hasn't studied peruvian or other cultures, she shouldn't be allowed to travel j/k she is pretty dumb though
5:31 PM
Anonymous Says:
She should just stay in malibu or wherever this chick lives, surf smoke her usual joint, and shut her trap. Obviously she is too stupid to travel.
5:30 PM
Anonymous Says:
328- it's a handbag dear. Now, if Osama jumped out from the handbag and tried to kill me, then I would be concerned. That was a stupid argument.
5:15 PM
LHenri Says:
I'm glad Cameron Diaz sees the error of her ways, and sees the consequences of her actions, too.
I hope she keeps on being socially conscious.
5:12 PM
Kiki Says:
OK to Anon 3:28! Carrying a handbag with Bin Laden's face is a lil different! You can clearly look at it & see what it is! She bought a bag w/ a star & some chinese handwriting! You're example would make sense if she could clearly look at it & see what it meant! If there was a picture on the bag of a chinese terrorist..then there ya go! Another thing...if someone that is foreign comes to America w/ a 9/11 shirt am I supposed to break down?! Please! I'm sure people had their feelings hurt..but it's not her fault!
4:48 PM
Anonymous Says:
You are right Keren 4:33, Cameron is the prettiest.
4:44 PM
Anonymous Says:
I love you Butterfly.
4:33 PM
KEREN Says:
I LOVE CAMERON DIAZ. THE GIRL'S GOT STYLE THAT NO ONE IN HOLLYWOOD CAN EVEN COMPARE. SHE'S ALWAYS HAD A LOT OF STYLE FOR YEARS. GO CAMERON!
3:57 PM
Crumble Says:
Bring on the Osama handbag! I could really give a rats-behind. It's sooo not important!
3:31 PM
Anonymous Says:
LOL, this is hilarious if only for the fact that it shows what a true dumba$$ Cam is. Someone else said it, for someone who is so "wordly" and environmentally conscious and what not, this was big. Was is blown out of proportion? Sure. But maybe now all these celebs who spout off crap about their "causes" will do a little more research! I, for one, am glad she got knocked down a peg and I bet she'll be a little more careful when visiting a foreign country now.
3:28 PM
Anonymous Says:
Umm, how would you feel if a tourist was carrying arround a bag with Bin Laden's face on it? Honest mistake, sure-- but you can understand why people would be upset. Don't dismiss their feelings by telling them to get over it.
2:34 PM
Kiki Says:
This is soo stupid! Are people really upset about this?! Come on...when has Cam ever intentionally done something to hurt people! It's an honest mistake! If I go somewhere & purchase a souvenir I'm not going to research the meaning before I wear it, etc! People just want something to gripe or cry about! GET OVER IT!
2:15 PM
Oh Shut Up! Says:
Cameron Diaz was not supporting communism she was CARRYING A HANDBAG!Get over it you over sensitive weenies!!!
1:43 PM
Anonymous Says:
I'm so tired of people getting offended all the time. I'm 1/16 Cherokee Indian and you don't see me yelling all thet ime that I've been offended. I'm butt white and people never assume that I have Indian in me due their ignorance. People need to get over things and move on with life. It sucks having to be politically correct all the time and walking on eggshells.
1:33 PM
Stacie Says:
While I would never support any communist actions and whatnot, I think this was waaayyy blown out of proportion. She bought a bag that she had no idea was a symbol of something terrible. This in no way means that she should be burned at the stake. Ridiculous. Maybe instead of hating the celeb...why not hate the COMPANY that PRODUCES this? THEY are the ones to promote it...celebs are sometimes not smart enough to do their research, but if it's being sold as a major label that is popular..who is really in the wrong?
