George Lucas apologises for ‘white slavers’ remark about Disney: analogy was ‘inappropriate’

George Lucas is feeling the pinch from a very controversial TV interview with Charlie Rose.

For those who missed it, here’s the interview in question.

In a statement, Lucas said he misspoke in a recent interview with Charlie Rose and used a “very inappropriate analogy”.

In the statement, Lucas said Disney is moving the franchise in exciting directions.

Lucas has now issued a statement, clarifying his stance on the Disney deal, while also walking back the “slavers” bit.

I have been working with Disney for 40 years and chose them as the custodians of Star Wars because of my great respect for the company and Bob Iger’s leadership.

“Disney is doing an incredible job of taking care of and expanding the franchise”, Lucas said in a statement.

Lucas added that he was “blown away with the record-breaking blockbuster success of the new movie”, heaping praise on director J.J. Abrams and current Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy.

This photo provided by Disney shows Daisey Ridley as Rey, left, and John Boyega as Finn, in a scene from the new film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, directed by J.J. Abrams.

After Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm in 2012 for $4 billion, it is becoming clear now that the purchase price over rights to the brand is a downright bargain.

Globally, “The Force Awakens” – the first “Star Wars” film in a decade – has so far earned $1.29 billion, sending it past Disney’s animated blockbuster “Frozen” for the number eight spot on the all-time box office list. Lucas lamented that he avoids the movies now much as one would avoid someone they have severed ties with in a relationship – no phone calls and definitely do not drive by the person’s home. But you just have to cut it off and just say, ‘OK, end of ballgame.’ I’ve gotta move on. “I worked very hard to make them completely different, with different planets, with different spaceships – you know, to make it new”, he said.

He says the people who took over the franchise wanted to create a retro movie, which he opposed.

Disney Infinity 3.0, which came packed with a Star Wars: The Clone Wars era game, and also sold additional character figures and game packs that focused on the Original Trilogy and The Force Awakens.