Armie Hammer drops out of Jennifer Lopez film after ‘vicious online attacks’
Written by News on 15/01/2021
Actor Armie Hammer has called controversial messages alleged to have been written by him that were shared on social media “vicious and spurious online attacks against me”.
The 34-year-old has subsequently dropped out of the upcoming action comedy film Shotgun Wedding, in which he was due to star opposite Jennifer Lopez.
Industry websites Variety and Deadline say they have been given a statement from Hammer, stating: “I’m not responding to these [false] claims but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic.”
The studio producing the film, Lionsgate, told Sky News: “Given the imminent start date of Shotgun Wedding, Armie has requested to step away from the film and we support him in his decision.”
His role is now being re-cast, and Hammer added in his statement that he was “grateful” for the studio’s support.
The actor has two children with his ex-wife, presenter Elizabeth Chambers, six-year-old daughter Harper and three-year-old son Ford.
The couple announced their divorce in the summer of 2020 after 10 years of marriage.
Hammer started trending on social media earlier in January after the messages appeared online. The authenticity of the messages has not been verified.
Hammer is best known for films including The Social Network, Call Me By Your Name and, most recently, the Netflix adaptation of Rebecca.
Shotgun Wedding follows a couple who get cold feet before they are due to walk down the aisle, with the nuptials complicated further when the wedding party is hijacked by criminals.
It will be directed by Pitch Perfect filmmaker Jason Moore. It is not yet known who will be replacing Hammer in the lead role.
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Sky News has contacted representatives for Hammer for comment.
(c) Sky News 2021: Armie Hammer drops out of Jennifer Lopez film after ‘vicious online attacks’
