If you follow movie news closely, you probably have been keeping tabs on the New York Film Critics Circle’s (NYFCC) awards banquet and the mess that allegedly occurred.

According to various sources, including The Hollywood Reporter, “CityArts” critic Armond White, known as a hardcore contrarian in the world of movie criticism, allegedly heckled “12 Years A Slave” director Steve McQueen. The Hollywood Reporter stated that a “Variety” reporter seated next to White allegedly heard White yell, “You’re an embarrassing doorman and garbage man. F— you. Kiss my ass.”

White has not been a favorite of the movie community, to put it mildly, but now White is battling back, releasing an exclusive statement to The Hollywood Reporter. He claims that he never yelled such things, especially since the racial implications are obvious.

The NYFCC are now doing damage control of their own. According the group has apologized to McQueen for the abuse he endured. Deadline first reported on an email sent from NYFCC chairman Joshua Rothkopf to “12 Years A Slave” distributor. In the email, Rothkopf stated that he was “mortified” to learn that it was from one of the group’s members. He also confirmed in the email that they are taking “disciplinary action.”

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