TORONTO — The real-life wrestler depicted in the critically acclaimed Foxcatcher refused to back down Thursday from his social media attack on the film and its director, Bennett Miller.
“While I may have tweeted out of anger, I in no way regret standing up for myself,” Mark Schultz wrote on Facebook, “nor do I regret calling out the only other man who has had decision making power concerning my image and legacy these past years.”
Schultz, who is portrayed by Channing Tatum in Foxcatcher, apologized for “the harshness of my language” but said he stands by his views.
“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,” said Schultz, 54.
“If that’s not worth fighting over while I’m still alive, I don’t know what is.”
In a series of tweets he has since deleted, Schultz said he “hates” Miller and called him “scum.”
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Schultz also tweeted: “You crossed the line Miller. We’re done. You’re (sic) career is over. You think I can’t do it. Watch me.”
Another tweet read: “You think I’m going to sit back and watch you destroy my name and reputation I sweat blood for. You ain’t seen nothing yet dude.”
Schultz has been outspoken on Facebook about the movie. He took issue with hints in the movie that his relationship with coach John du Pont (Steve Carell) was more than platonic. He called the suggestion “sickening” and “insulting.”
And while Schultz commended Tatum’s performance, he said the actor “created a fictional character using a few of my personality characteristics as jump-off points but it’s so different than me it’s almost the complete opposite.”
BELOW: Watch Channing Tatum on the Foxcatcher red carpet at TIFF.
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