US actress Cameron Diaz has apologised for wearing a bag with a political slogan that evoked painful memories in Peru.
The voice of Princess Fiona in the animated Shrek films visited the Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru's Andes wearing an olive green bag emblazoned with a red star and the words "Serve the People", perhaps Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong's most famous political slogan, printed in Chinese.
The bags are marketed as fashion accessories in some cities around the world, but in Peru the slogan evokes memories of the Maoist Shining Path insurgency that fought the government in the 1980s and early 1990s in a bloody conflict that left nearly 70,000 people dead.
"I sincerely apologise to anyone I may have inadvertently offended," Diaz said in a statement. "The bag was a purchase I made as a tourist in China andI did not realise the potentially hurtful nature of the slogan printed on it."
One prominent Peruvian human rights activist said Diaz should have been a little more aware of local sensitivities when picking her accessories.
At least she can return the bag. Iron Mike Tyson may have a tougher time with his exchange, especially if he's lost the receipt. More here.
