Emma Thompson. Pictrue by Georges Biard.
OSCAR-winning actress Emma Thompson has admitted she mixed up her islands when she told a US chat show she thought they stoned homosexuals here.
In an e-mail to Isle of Wight Council leader Cllr David Pugh, she has revealed she may have been thinking of the Isle of Man, around 350 miles away.
The star sparked a backlash after she made the comment on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, when she also suggested the Isle of Wight allowed Irish and Scottish people to be shot on sight.
Cllr Pugh wrote to the 51-year-old, who won the best actress Oscar for her performance in Howard’s End, to point out the Island’s diversity and invite her to see for herself.
In her e-mail to Cllr Pugh, Miss Thompson, said: "I was thrilled with your invite!!! Thank you so very much for understanding that not only were my remarks on a late-night comedy show (comedy being the operative word) but I also mixed up my islands — I think it was the Isle of Mann [sic] that used to enjoy the privilege of being allowed to shoot Scotsmen if they appeared on the beach.
"But I was riffing and the last thing on my mind was accuracy. I truly appreciate your commonsensical and courteous responses and hope to get a visit sometime soon."
Cllr Pugh said: "I was pleased with Ms Thompson’s response — showing what a good sport she is — although I’m not sure whether the Isle of Man would be. I hope she will make her visit here soon."
Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk