John Wayne Day Rejected Over Race Row

Plans to declare 26 May as John Wayne Day in California have been rejected over comments the legend made when he was alive.  The Oscar-winner made his name in manly movies including The Alamo, True Grit and The Green Berets.

But in a State Assembly vote several legislators objected to having a day commemorating his birthday due to his “disturbing views towards race”.

The resolution was lost by 35-20 votes.

Republican State Assemblyman Matthew Harper had put forward the proposal, following a Texas resolution commemorating Wayne’s birthday passed last year. Wayne died in 1979, aged 72.

Assemblyman Luis Alejo was among those against the proposal, citing a 1971 interview the actor made with Playboy where he was quoted as saying: “I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of responsibility. I don’t believe in giving authority and positions of leadership and judgment to irresponsible people.”