TORONTO – Canadian actor Stephen Amell is taking a break from social media after receiving backlash following his comments about Texas 9th-grader Ahmed Mohamed.
Amell, 34, took to social media Wednesday and posted a series of tweets about Mohamed, the 14-year-old student who was arrested and suspended after bringing a homemade clock to school.
“Stereotyping Texas isn’t any better than stereotyping Ahmed. Just so we’re clear,” the Toronto-native said on Twitter.
Amell followed up with a series of tweets about Texas and tried to offer an explanation for his “stereotyping” and “profiling” comments.
The actor followed up his series of tweets by taking to Facebook to try to clear the air via video.
“Didn’t mean to offend anyone today, wasn’t trying to equate things that are very, very different,” Amell said. “Was simply trying to say that two wrongs don’t make a right.
“The best thing to do in these scenarios is just go away for a little bit,” he said. “So be well. I’ll be back. And that’s it,” Amell added.
Amell removed his profile photo from both Twitter and Facebook.
The actor’s comments follows after a day where Twitter users showed support for the student using the hashtags #IStandWithAhmed and #HelpAhmedMake.
Several scientists, teachers and people within the tech community also shared support on Twitter.
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, who has more than 1.4 million followers on Twitter, tweeted at the account @IStandWithAhmed, inviting the young thinker to Toronto to take part in a science show.
U.S. President Barack Obama also chimed in his support for the 9th-grader, inviting Mohamed and his “cool” clock to the White House.
The 9th-grader was not charged by police, however, Mohamed remains suspended from school until Thursday.
WATCH BELOW: Homemade clock lands 14-year-old Ahmed Mohammed in handcuffs
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