Quentin Tarantino is known for his unconventional storytelling techniques, thought-provoking dialogues, and stylistic violence that have captivated audiences for decades. However, he once found himself caught in the web of cancel culture.
In a 2003 The Howard Stern Show interview, Tarantino made comments that were deemed inappropriate and offensive, causing a resurgence of controversy and a potential threat to his career.
It All Started With Uma Thurman’s Car Crash
During the production of the Kill Bill movie series, Uma Thurman, the iconic lead actress and a frequent collaborator of Quentin Tarantino, shared a disturbing incident.
The actress revealed that she was forced to drive a car that was not safe and eventually crashed, causing her injuries. This was not a minor issue that could be ignored during the filming process.
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Tarantino expressed deep remorse to Deadline, calling it “the biggest regret of my life.” However, unbeknownst to him, this was just the beginning.
“I am guilty, for putting her in that car, but not the way that people are saying I am guilty of it. It’s the biggest regret of my life, getting her to do that stunt. There are certain things I can’t get too far into the weeds on, but I will any questions you have about it.”
While digging into Tarantino’s past interviews, a gem from The Howard Stern Show in 2003 was discovered.
Quentin Tarantino Defends Roman Polanski On The Howard Stern Show
In The Howard Stern Show interview, Tarantino was caught on tape defending Roman Polanski’s actions with a 13-year-old girl, terming it as not “r*pe” in the traditional sense and suggesting the victim was, in a way, “down with it.”
“He didn’t r*pe a 13-year-old. It was statutory r*pe…he had s-x with a minor. That’s not r-pe. To me, when you use the word r*pe, you’re talking about violent, throwing them down—it’s like one of the most violent crimes in the world. You can’t throw the word r-pe around. It’s like throwing the word ‘racist’ around. It doesn’t apply to everything people use it for.”
Tarantino’s movies, ranging from Pulp Fiction to Django Unchained, are a visual delight for those who appreciate the art of cinematic violence. However, reports about Tarantino’s involvement in certain violent scenes raised some serious concerns.
According to rumors, as revealed by The Guardian, Quentin Tarantino was directing some of the graphic sequences and actively participating in them. For instance, there were claims that he spat on Thurman during Kill Bill or acted in a choking scene with Diana Kruger in Inglourious Basterds.
Tarantino’s talent is undeniable. His unique storytelling has earned him a place in Hollywood’s Hall of Fame, inspiring countless filmmakers. However, the controversies attached to his fame have always divided fans and critics.