Val Kilmer forced to explain ‘drunk’ remarks

[HMG] – With a strong career based entirely on fictional roles, Val Kilmer got a strong dose of reality yesterday when some of his neighbors faced him in court.

The 50-year old actor faced a San Miguel county commission near his home in New Mexico to calm his neighbors. who were offended by comments Val made to Rolling Stone back in 2003.

The quotes included such kindly gems as his view that he lives in the “homicide capital of the Southwest” and that “80% of the people in my county are drunk.”

He also insulted war veterans.

But the Huff Post says Val owns a ranch in the area, where he goes fishing and raises buffalo. And he wants to open three houses on the site to paying guests. For the neighbors this was too much and Val had to explain.

Before a panel of commissioners and around fifty locals the actor claimed he was ‘quoted out of context,’ then read a prepared statement and tried to appear contrite;

“I can only ask that you view my apology as a stepping stone, so we can go forward toward a common interest in promoting and protecting our beloved New Mexico,” Kilmer said to those present.

He then explained he’s lived in the area for over two decades and loves it. His father lived here, and his children were born and have grown up here. But he understood the resistance.

“I have the same concerns as anyone else when you hear negative things about a place you love,” he told reporters before the meeting. “That’s the good part of this. They care about where they live, and I share their concerns.”

Commission chairman, David Salazar said Kilmer wasn’t forced to appear, just offered a chance to speak up.

“It took a lot for him to face everybody,” said Salazar. “It takes a lot to apologize, and a lot of people wouldn’t have done it, but I think he was sincere.”

The commission then approved Kilmer’s guest houses, ratifying a decision by the planning commission back in March.

County Attorney Jesus Lopez say the board of commissioners has received hate mail, phone calls and e-mails from people apparently upset by Kilmer’s comments, as well as from fans. But he now hopes that will stop.

“I hope we can put this to bed today and all live as neighbors,” Lopez said.