Evangeline Lilly has issued an apology in response to the backlash she received for dismissing the idea of self-quarantining amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The “Lost” actress, 40, took to Instagram on Thursday to also assure fans she’s doing her part to flatten the curve.
“I am writing you from my home where I have been social distancing since Mar 18th – when social distancing was instituted in the small community where I am currently living,” Lilly began the lengthy statement. “At the time of my Mar 16th post, the directives from the authorities here were that we not congregate in groups of more than 250ppl and that we wash our hands regularly, which we were doing. Two days later, those directives changed and, despite my intense trepidation over the socioeconomic and political repercussions of this course of action, PLEASE KNOW I AM DOING MY PART TO FLATTEN THE CURVE, PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING HOME WITH MY FAMILY.”
She went on, “I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology for the insensitivity I showed in my previous post to the very real suffering and fear that has gripped the world through COVID19. Grandparents, parents, children, sisters and brothers are dying, the world is rallying to find a way to stop this very real threat, and my ensuing silence has sent a dismissive, arrogant and cryptic message.
“My direct and special apologies to those most affected by this pandemic. I never meant to hurt you. When I wrote that post 10 days ago, I thought I was infusing calm into the hysteria.”
Lilly then admitted that her original statements were made out of fear, and that a conversation with a beloved friend convinced her to think bigger.
“When I was grappling with my own fears over social distancing, one kind, wise and gracious person said to me ‘do it out of love, not fear’ and it helped me to realize my place in all of this. Sending love to all of you, even if you can’t return it right now. EL.”
The “Ant-Man and the Wasp” star’s original post stated that she believes the government is taking too much control over something she referred to simply as a “respiratory flu.”
Lilly’s “Lost” co-star Maggie Grace also commented on her post calling her stance “concerning,” and suggested she check-in on their other “Lost” co-star Daniel Dae Kim, who has tested positive for COVID-19.