Arnold Schwarzenegger has conquered multiple fields in his life. Schwarzenegger became a seven-time Mr. Olympia, dominated the box office in the 80s and 90s, and even served as the Governor of California for two terms. However, he has also had his share of controversies. In 2011, the former governor’s family nearly unraveled in public after news of his extramarital affair and the child born from that affair came to light. More recently, in 2021, the Austrian Oak found himself in hot water again.

During an interview in 2021, the bodybuilding icon spoke about the pandemic. While the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic raged across the globe, people were trying to cope. As a philanthropist who helped hospitals with emergency equipment during the first wave, Schwarzenegger spoke about the issue of social distancing. However, his choice of words while commenting on anti-maskers hit a sensitive chord with Americans. Despite a public apology, it seems many haven’t moved on.

The three-word statement that Arnold Schwarzenegger can’t shake off

During the 2021 online interview, Arnie became agitated while commenting on anti-maskers. People who protested against wearing masks during the pandemic said forcing everyone to wear masks was an egregious attack on personal freedom. However, while addressing the issue the bodybuilding legend blurted out?“Scr*w your freedom.”

The 76-year-old’s statement immediately went viral and he received massive backlash. The former Mr. Universe didn’t respond immediately. However, recently Arnie made a public apology for his statement.?“I?m sorry for saying those words. I try to be relentlessly positive, but sometimes my mouth gets ahead of me,”?Arnie posted.

The bodybuilding icon also said he should’ve communicated better. While many people accepted his apology and moved on, it’s many haven’t forgiven the action star. Earlier, X.Com user Epsite Sheet uploaded a 21-second clip from the infamous interview. People in the comments section voiced their displeasure.

An emotionally charged comments section

One individual countered the statement with?“My freedom isn?t negotiable.”

Meanwhile, another user said the statement was the reason why he is no longer an Arnold Schwarzenegger fan. “This was when I stopped like him! It?s so strange,”?he wrote.

However, the user probably isn’t aware of the public apology.?“It would be so interesting if he still supports this speech?”?asked the user.

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“He will never recover from those remarks,”?said one person.

However, one commenter highlighted something else Schwarzenegger once said. “He also said as a leader there is no Heaven,”?she wrote.

One user took Arnie’s statement and showcased some wordplay.?“Screw your popularity. It is over. Done,”?wrote the user.

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While millions have forgiven the Austrian Oak for his remarks and support his latest ventures, others have not.