Debra Messing Apologizes For Posting Selfie Amid News Of Shooting On UCLA Campus
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Actress Debra Messing is apologizing for posting a selfie during Wednesday's apparent murder-suicide on the UCLA campus.
Messing posted a picture with the caption: "HORRENDOUS watching news about shooting at UCLA with casualties while taking selfie 2bring awareness to gun violence."
Messing was in the middle of a planned campaign on the issue.
She later deleted the picture and posted a statement, saying:
"I'd like to speak to the selfie I posted, part of a predetermined day of advocacy whose goal is to bring awareness to gun violence in America. We were all asked to post a picture today wearing this t-shirt. AS I took the picture, the news broke about the shooting at UCLA. I was so shocked and struck by the horrible IRONY that yet another shooting was occurring as I was participating in this effort. In an effort to highlight the irony, I posted a picture referencing the breaking news. I am heartbroken and embarrassed that many people misconstrued my actions and that I caused offense. That's the last thing I want to do. The horrendous irony of the timing, I was hoping, would shine an even brighter light on the crisis and need for all of us to do something together to make the US safer. I am truly so sorry. #wemustdobetter"