Paris attacks: Rob Lowe criticised for 'insensitive' and 'ignorant' tweets
The actor criticised President Hollande's speech in the immediate aftermath of the attacks
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rob Lowe has received criticism for tweets he wrote in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris.
As news broke of the attacks on Friday night, Lowe took to Twitter during President François Hollande’s address to the country.
As the French President announced a closure of the borders, the actor wrote: "Oh, NOW France closes its borders."
He followed this up by criticising the speech itself, writing: "This is either the worst translation of an important speech ever, or one of the worst ever given."
His remarks sparked a backlash on social media, with Twitter users branding the West Wing actor “ignorant” and “insensitive”.
Lowe, 51, seemingly side-steeped the controversial tweets but later defended an earlier tweet he wrote which said: "Vive La France".
Addressing the “trolls” he said: “The phrase ‘Vive La France’ is the traditional expression of support for France. Don’t misinterpret my words.”
He added how he lived in France and spent “a ton of time there”, saying the attacks were “all so devastatingly sad for a place I love.”
Lowe is known for being outspoken on social media, previously criticising President Barack Obama for reportedly not meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and comparing Sony’s decision not to screen controversial film The Interview last year with the UK’s policy of appeasement to Hitler in the Second World War.
Kay Burley also faced criticism on social media after she posted a picture of a dog with ‘sadness in his eyes’ in Paris. Users said the presenter has “misjudged the mood” with the post.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments