Mark Schultz Apologizes for Harshly-Worded Criticisms of FOXCATCHER

By: Jan. 03, 2015
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Olympic wrestling champion Mark Schultz has addressed his angry Tweets regarding the Golden Globe-nominated film adaptation of his biography, FOXCATCHER.

In a recent Facebook post, he said,

Post by Mark Schultz: Olympic Wrestling Champion.

"My story and my life are real. I am a real human being. While I may have tweeted out of anger, I in no way regret standing up for myself, nor do I regret calling out the only other man who has had decision making power concerning my image and legacy these past years. I apologize for the harshness of my language, but I am firm in where I stand. I will gladly go to any lengths to protect and safeguard the integrity and truth of my story, my life, my character and my legacy. If that's not worth fighting over while I'm still alive, I don't know what is."

He posted earlier today, January 3, further clarifying the reasons behind his reactions,

Post by Mark Schultz: Olympic Wrestling Champion.

This must be understood. I am a born fighter and a team player. My life story is full of amazing accomplishments, tragedy and trauma. I've lived every breath of it.
My reaction on social media was triggered, not by the movie, but by an interview I saw with Bennett Miller whereon a sexual relationship between myself and my Brother's murderer was insinuated by a reporter and allowed to breathe. I have no issue whatsoever with the choice of anyone's sexual orientation. When it comes to my own, however, I will speak up as that is my personal life choice.
Regarding my comments about Bennett and the movie, I believe that I have supported and trusted him with my life story and image. I also feel I have supported his interpretation of my story, although there were several points we've disagreed on regarding the portrayal of my character. All in all, I feel like I've helped in the films process by coaching Channing, consulting for 8 years, and adding my voice to what I did and didn't want as an associate producer.
The particular scene in question during the interview was one of many that I objected to having in the film. It was fictional and inaccurate in its portrayal of my character and relationship with Dupont. I originally demanded he remove it, but at Bennett's behest I ended up supporting it because I trusted he would clarify it's ambiguity and overtones in future interviews and I've been learning to understand the artistic and creative process which is his expertise.
What I could not tolerate was a false interpretation of that scene during Bennett's interview concerning a sexual relationship between myself and the man who murdered my brother and caused so much anguish in my life. I hope everyone can understand how this would hurt. During the interview, there was an opportunity for Bennett to clarify this, to speak on my behalf and to defend my position. Given that I was not there to answer the question directly and that Bennett did not, I truly felt that I had no other choice. It was a hasty, emotionally charged reaction.
I did not intend any of the current media storm or public perception around the movie or the issue. I apologize for my methodology, especially to those who I have worked with to make the project a success. I hope this will help in resolving any undue conflict these actions have created.
Sincerely,
Mark Schultz

FOXCATCHER is a 2014 American biographical drama film co-produced and directed by Bennett Miller. Written by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman, the film stars Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, and Vanessa Redgrave. It is based on the true events surrounding John du Pont's efforts in hiring the Schultz brothers to help train US wrestling and swimming Olympians, and du Pont's subsequent murder of David Schultz.

FOXCATCHER competed for the Palme d'Or in the main competition section at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, where Miller won the Best Director Award. The film garnered three Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Picture.



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