Chris Hemsworth posted an image and note to his Instagram account today, in which the Thor actor pledges to stand “with those who are fighting to protect their sacred land and water.”

Then, Hemsworth calls out his own offensive behavior. Last year, Hemsworth attended a Lone Ranger-themed party that saw guests, including Hemsworth, dressing up in traditional native costume. Today, Hemsworth apologized. “I was stupidly unaware of the offence this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologise to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action.”

Standing with those who are fighting to protect their sacred land and water. #nodapl #waterislife #mniwiconi @taikawaititi I would also like to take this opportunity to raise something that has been bothering me for sometime. Last New Year's Eve I was at a "Lone Ranger" themed party where some of us, myself included, wore the traditional dress of First Nations people. I was stupidly unaware of the offence this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologise to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action. I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities. I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way.

A photo posted by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) on Oct 27, 2025 at 6:49pm PDT

I don’t know Chris Hemsowrth. What I know about him is what you know: he is handsome, wealthy, and famous. But I find this post remarkable. The self-examination and public apology for offensive behavior was, as far as I can tell, unprompted by anything other than Hemsworth’s growth as he watched the events surrounding the Dakota Access Pipeline unfold.

The protests underway in North Dakota bring to light painful histories in the US that have created complex rifts across cultures within our nation. The violent reaction that protests have created from law enforcement likewise illuminate misplaced priorities of our energy industry, and betrayals perpetrated by our government. The American people are faced with these questions in our news everyday, as indigenous history, water rights, and communities are being disrupted or destroyed in exchange for an oil pipeline.

#NoDAPL and the events at Standing Rock are a daily opportunity to investigate our priorities. As a nation and as individuals. By simply acknowledging the “complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities”, Hemsworth shows that it is possible to change our own attitudes with a little thoughtful self-refection. We should all do the same.

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