‘Outlander’ Star Sam Heughan Fires Back at Fans Who Called Him ‘Irresponsible’
Outlander star Sam Heughan is under fire for vacationing in Hawaii amid the coronavirus pandemic. Heughan recently confirmed that he flew to Hawaii after several of his events were canceled, a move that sparked outrage amongst his followers. What did Heughan have to say about his decision to self-isolate in Hawaii?
Sam Heughan reveals he is in Hawaii amid the coronavirus pandemic
In a recent Q&A session on Twitter, Heughan told Outlander fans that he is staying in Hawaii since most of his scheduled events have been canceled. This includes an appearance at PaleyFest in promotion of his new movie, Bloodshot.
“I’m in Hawaii,” Heughan stated. “Came here before travel ban. Rather concerned to return to UK. Certainly safer here for now. Hope you’re safe and your family too!”
Following his response, a fan asked Heughan if he had scheduled the flight before PaleyFest was canceled. The fan then said that Sam Heughan’s story “doesn’t add up” before informing the Outlander star that “this is serious, dude.”
Many countries around the world have imposed travel bans as governments do their best to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Hawaii has enacted similar measures and has asked people to avoid flying for the next 30 days.
After the backlash, Heughan cleared up when he bought the plane tickets and defended his decision to go to Hawaii instead of staying in the UK.
Heughan responds to the criticism
Sam Heughan revealed that he purchased the tickets to Hawaii after he learned that PaleyFest was canceled. He also assured fans that he is completely aware of the serious nature of the situation and admitted that things are “terrifying” at the moment.
“Thank you for your concern….Yes people ARE dying. It’s terrifying. For your information, I booked once I knew Paley was cancelled. Is that okay with you?” he shared.
On March 17, the governor of Hawaii, David Ige, asked people to cancel their upcoming trips to the state in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Even after Heughan’s explanation, fans called him out for being “irresponsible” and potentially adding more “strain” to Hawaii’s health system. According to Page Six, Heughan responded by calling the naysayers “rude” and delusional and assured fans that he is practicing self-isolation.
Heughan has also announced the launch of his new initiative with My Peak Challenge called 30-Day Social-Distancing Challenge, which he is offering for free.
Sam Heughan joins Quarantine Watch Party
Amid the backlash, Heughan recently took part in the Quarantine Watch Party event, which screened Bloodshot. With movie theaters closing around the world, Sony Pictures is offering a digital version of the movie available to stream.
Heughan plays a character named Dalton in the film, who becomes more of a focus near the end of the flick. Dalton is a former soldier who becomes technologically enhanced via a special suit.
Apart from Sam Heughan, Bloodshot director Dave Wilson also joined the event. Fans were able to take part in the conversation via Twitter and Instagram, with downloads becoming available on March 24.
Fans, of course, can also see Heughan in action when new episodes of Outlander air Sunday nights on Starz. The series is currently in its fifth season and is close to wrapping up another successful run.
Sam Heughan opens up about that James Bond audition
While fans wait to see what Heughan is up to next, the actor recently addressed the rumors that he is in the running to be the next James Bond. Daniel Craig is set to say goodbye to the iconic franchise after his latest 007 film, No Time To Die, hits theaters in November.
A slew of actors have been mentioned as possible replacements for Craig, and Heughan has quickly overtaken them as a clear favorite. With that in mind, Heughan recently told Esquire that he has actually auditioned to play James Bond in the past but was not given the part.
“I actually have auditioned for James Bond back when they were rebooting Bond 21. When Daniel Craig came on board, they were talking about making him younger,” Sam Heughan explained.
Heughan went on to say that he is aware of the buzz surrounding his bid to become the next Bond, something he says feels “random” and “very strange.”
Sam Heughan also said that he believes it is time for the franchise to feature another Scottish 007. Sean Connery is the last Scottish actor to play the role, which has since gone to a Welshman, two British actors, one Irishman, and an Australian.
