Robert Downey Jr., renowned for his iconic portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is celebrated for his acting prowess and charisma. While he has been generally amiable during interviews, there was a memorable incident in 2015 when he abruptly walked out during a conversation with Krishnan Guru-Murthy.
The Trigger Warning
Trigger Warning: This article contains references to alcohol and drug addiction
The Interview Incident
In 2015, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, a UK Channel 4 news broadcaster, inadvertently provoked the ire of Hollywood legend Robert Downey Jr. during a press conference for “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” The actor took issue with Guru-Murthy’s question, which harkened back to a 2008 interview with the New York Times. In that interview, Downey Jr. had stated, “You can’t go from a $2,000-a-night suite at La Mirage to a penitentiary and really understand it and come out a liberal.”
The Heated Exchange
A heated discussion ensued, with Downey Jr. responding, “Things that you said in an interview seven years ago, I could pick that apart for two hours and be no closer to the truth than I’d be giving you some half-assed answer right now; I couldn’t even tell you what a liberal was.”
When Guru-Murthy attempted to delve further into the topic, Downey Jr. clarified that he didn’t align with any political ideology and retorted, “Are we promoting a movie? I was talking to the person who was doing the interview that day, and that just happened to be my opinion. That’s the good part about having opinions; they alter and flow.”
The Turn Toward the Personal
As Guru-Murthy expressed his desire to explore more personal aspects beyond the film, the atmosphere in the room grew tenser. Downey Jr. responded, “You have as much time as anyone else.”
However, things took a more awkward turn when Guru-Murthy mentioned Downey Jr.’s past remarks about his relationship with his father, as well as his struggles with drinking and drug use. The actor appeared puzzled and asked, “I’m sorry, I honestly don’t… What exactly are we doing?” Guru-Murthy replied, “I’m just asking questions,” to which Downey Jr. grinned, stood up, and bid farewell.
A Memorable Exit
With his microphone turned off, Downey Jr. likened the situation to the confessional interviews of Diane Sawyer, a primetime US news journalist known for her probing interviews.
Robert Downey Jr. on the Professional Front
In recent times, Robert Downey Jr. was seen in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated directorial “Oppenheimer,” which boasted a star-studded cast including Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, and Emily Blunt. The film is poised to be one of the biggest releases of the year.
Furthermore, Downey Jr. is currently engrossed in his television series, “The Sympathizer,” which is scheduled for release in the coming year.
While Robert Downey Jr. has been known for his affable demeanor in interviews, the 2015 incident with Krishnan Guru-Murthy serves as a reminder that even the most gracious of celebrities have their limits when it comes to personal inquiries. This memorable moment is a testament to the delicate balance between probing journalism and respecting an individual’s boundaries.
