Los Angeles: Actor Val Kilmer has faced a backlash after calling celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain’s death “selfish”.
The adventurer, television host and social activist was found dead in a hotel room in Paris at the age of 61 on Friday, June 8.
An angry Kilmer took to Facebook after the news of Bourdain’s apparent suicide surfaced, says a report.
“How many moments away were you from feeling the love that was universal,” he began the lengthy post.
“From every corner of the world you were loved. So selfish. You’ve given us cause to be so angry. A spiritual guide once told me suicide is the most selfish act a human can execute and I was confused but she explained there’s just no mental place further away from humanity and purpose than the hypnotised numbness that creates the false picture of despair, that forces the victim, unaware, to believe, life’s legacy is over.”
The actor questioned how the chef’s reported suicide happened.
“Did you relapse? Did you just get home from the best meal of your life? Did you cheat on your girl?
“Those of us that knew you are shocked and angry and angry and angry selfishly angry, for what you just did to us,” he continued.
Referencing his two-year battle with throat cancer, he said: “Would you have taken your life two years ago when like me you were unable to take in food and move it with your tongue over your taste buds because your tongue was too swollen? Is too swollen?”
The 58-year-old actor finished: “You left too soon. And I’m going to prove it.”
The post received mixed reviews, with one blasting the actor for being “clueless and insensitive.”
“To imply your illness is worse is clueless and insensitive… people are continuing to die from mental health related issues yet you like many think or imply we need to just think happy thoughts,” wrote one user.
Another replied: “Suicide has nothing to do with selfishness… Stop adding to the stigma, please. You never know what is happening in someone else’s mind.”
