Evangeline Lilly Apologizes for Her 'Insensitive' Comments on Social Distancing

Evangeline Lilly is apologizing to fans after she made some controversial comments on social distancing earlier this month.

While most celebrities were urging their fans to stay home to help flatten the curve during the current health crisis, Evangeline preached the opposite.

Evangeline said that “house arrest” was not for her family and she added, “Where we are right now feels a lot too close to Marshall Law [sic] for my comfort already, all in the name of a respiratory flu. It’s unnerving…Let’s be vigilant right now. And kind. Watchful and gracious — keeping a close eye on our leaders, making sure they don’t abuse this moment to steal away more freedoms and grab more power.”

In her apology, Evangeline said that her comments were made on March 16 and that the directives from authorities at the time, where she is located, were to not congregate in groups of 250 people or more. She has since been social distancing from home starting on March 18.

Evangeline received some shade from Sophie Turner during one of her live streams and one of her Lost co-stars also called her out.

Click inside to read the full apology letter…

You can read the full apology letter below:

Evangeline Lilly’s Apology Letter:

Hello everyone.

I am writing you from my home where I have been social distancing since Mar 18th – when social distancing was instituted in the small community where I am currently living.

At the time of my Mar 16th post, the directives from the authorities here were that we not congregate in groups of more than 250ppl and that we wash our hands regularly, which we were doing.

Two days later, those directives changed and, despite my intense trepidation over the socioeconomic and political repercussions of this course of action, PLEASE KNOW I AM DOING MY PART TO FLATTEN THE CURVE, PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING HOME WITH MY FAMILY.

I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology for the insensitivity I showed in my previous post to the very real suffering and fear that has gripped the world through COVID19. Grandparents, parents, children, sisters and brothers are dying, the world is rallying to find a way to stop this very real threat, and my ensuing silence has sent a dismissive, arrogant and cryptic message.

My direct and special apologies to those most affected by this pandemic. I never meant to hurt you. When I wrote that post 10 days ago, I thought I was infusing calm into the hysteria. I can see now that I was projecting my own fears into an already fearful and traumatic situation.

I am grieved by the ongoing loss of life, and the impossible decisions medical workers around the world must make as they treat those affected. I am concerned for our communities – small businesses and families living paycheck-to-paycheck – and I am trying to follow responsible recommendations for how to help. Like many of you, I fear for the political aftermath of this pandemic, and I am praying for us all.

At the same time, I am heartened by the beauty and humanity I see so many people demonstrating toward one another in this vulnerable time. When I was grappling with my own fears over social distancing, one kind, wise and gracious person said to me “do it out of love, not fear” and it helped me to realize my place in all of this.

Sending love to all of you, even if you can’t return it right now.
EL