Armie Hammer apologises for ‘unnecessary’ Stan Lee comment: ‘I’m working on my Twitter control’

The actor was criticised for his reaction to celebrities' tributes to the comic book legend

Armie Hammer has issued an apology after criticising celebrities posting pictures of themselves with the late Stan Lee.

The Call Me By Your Name actor received backlash after stating that, in doing so, celebrities were making the Marvel legend’s death about themselves.

He wrote: “So touched by all of the celebrities posting pictures of themselves with Stan Lee… no better way to commemorate an absolute legend than putting up a picture of yourself.” His comments sparked criticism from the entertainment world, with The Walking Dead star Jeffrey Dean Morgan branding him an “a**hat”.

Hammer has since apologised, writing on Twitter: “While attempting to provide some unnecessary social commentary, I (in true a**hat form – thank you Jeffrey Dean Morgan) inadvertently offended many who were genuinely grieving the loss of a true icon. I want to apologise from the bottom of my heart and will be working on my Twitter impulse control.”

Lee passed away at the age of 95 in Los Angeles on Monday (12 November). His death sparked an outpouring of love from people whose lives have been touched by the characters he created, including Spider-Man, Hulk and the original X-Men. Actors Robert Downey Jr, Chris Pratt and Captain America star Chris Evans led the widespread tributes.

The comic book icon co-created Marvel in 1961 with The Fantastic Four, designed to appeal to an older audience at a time when comic books were mostly read by children.

In the wake of his death, his daughter revealed they were collaborating on one final comic book character that she’s vowed to complete.

Fans can also look forward to some more cameos from Lee in two forthcoming Marvel films.