Despite the fact that Lars von Trier apologized on Wednesday following a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival where he said he understood Adolph Hitler, the Melacholia director has been declared "persona non grata" by the festival organizers. Click through to read their statement.
The Festival de Cannes provides artists from around the world with an exceptional forum to present their works and defend freedom of expression and creation. The Festival's Board of Directors, which held an extraordinary meeting this Thursday 19 May 2011, profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars Von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the Festival.
The Board of Directors firmly condemns these comments and declares Lars Von Trier a persona non grata at the Festival de Cannes, with effect immediately.
On Wednesday, organizers said they acknowledged Von Trier's apology; judging from this ban, though, it seems like they didn't readily accept what he had to say.
UPDATE: You can now watch Von Trier's controversial statements below.
RELATED: CANNES REVIEW: Lars von Trier Gets Happy, in His Way, with Melancholia
For more of Movieline's coverage from the Cannes Film Festival, click here.
ยท CANNES: Lars Von Trier Declared 'Persona Non Grata' By Fest Organizers [Deadline]
[Photo: AFP/Getty]