Actor Mark Duplass apologizes for pro-Ben Shapiro tweet amid slams from liberal fans

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Ben Shapiro reacts as actor apologizes for pro-Shapiro tweet

Actor Mark Duplass faces backlash for posting a tweet in support of Ben Shapiro; Shapiro responds on 'The Story with Martha MacCallum.'

Liberal actor Mark Duplass issued an apology to his fans on Thursday after sending them into a lather by calling conservative pundit Ben Shapiro a “genuine person” with good intentions.

In a now-deleted tweet, Duplass encouraged “fellow liberals” to follow Shapiro if they are interested in hearing perspective from the other side of the political aisle. Instead of listening to the actor’s advice, fans were outraged that he suggested leaving the liberal echo chamber. As a result, Duplass deleted the tweet and replaced it with an apology.

“So that tweet was a disaster on many levels. I want to be clear that I in no way endorse hatred, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, or any such form of intolerance,” Duplass wrote. “My goal has always been to spread unity, understanding and kindness.”

The actor said he will “make mistakes along the way” because he moves too quickly when excited about an idea, fails to properly research or doesn’t communicate properly.

“I’m really sorry. I now understand that I have to be more diligent and careful. I’m working on that,” Duplass wrote. “But, I do believe deeply in bi-partisan understanding and I will continue to do my best to promote peace and decency in the world right now.”

The actor continued: “I want to say thank you to those who reached out with constructive criticism. I have genuinely learned so much and wish everyone all the best.”

Shapiro fired back, “So in 24 hours I apparently went from being a person with good intentions to a racist sexist bigot. Twitter toxifies any attempt to cross the aisle. There's no conservative Mark could have recommended who wouldn’t receive the same blowback.”

“Today's Leftist lesson on Twitter: write a nice tweet about someone with whom you disagree politically, get labeled a racist sexist homophobe. Good stuff, guys. Really showing that tolerant streak,” Shapiro wrote during the initial outrage on Wednesday.

Since apologizing, a different set of critics have mocked Duplass for being shamed into deleting the pro-Shapiro message.

Fox News’ Brit Hume called the apology “truly depressing,” while conservative commentator Steven Crowder added, “Don’t worry, @benshapiro. He did the exact same thing with me last year. Appeared twice, got gaslit by the left and acquiesced. It doesn’t matter how kind you are.”

New York Times columnist Bari Weiss wrote, “Another successful struggle session. The sin: humbly suggesting people read those they disagree with.”

Duplass has appeared in “The One I Love,” “The Lazarus Effect,” “Goliath,” “The Mindy Project,” “The League,” “Zero Dark Thirty” and “Creep,” among a variety of other movies and television shows. He has also served as a producer on numerous projects.