Leonard Roberts has received an apology from Ali Larter after his Variety essay was published today (December 16).
In his essay, the former Heroes actor opened up about his treatment on the NBC series, in which he played D.L. Hawkins, and Ali was his wife, Niki Sanders.
Leonard wrote that he had tried to get along with Ali from the start of the series, however, she did not reciprocate.
“I pondered why my co-star had exuberantly played a different scene with the Petrelli character involving overt sexuality while wearing lingerie, but found aspects of one involving love and intimacy expressed through dialogue with my character, her husband, disrespectful to her core,” he wrote. “I couldn’t help wondering whether race was a factor.”
After reading his essay, Ali has shared her apology for her past treatment.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about Leonard Roberts’ experience on Heroes and I am heartbroken reading his perception of our relationship, which absolutely doesn’t match my memory nor experience on the show,” she told TVLine.
Ali added, “I respect Leonard as an artist and I applaud him or anyone using their voice and platform. I am truly sorry for any role I may have played in his painful experience during that time and I wish him and his family the very best.”
Leonard‘s character was ultimately killed off at the start of season two of the show.