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Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson Leave Cusco, Peru After Hugging Reporters

(LIP-ir) -- "This is one of the best trips I've been on", said Owen Wilson as he was photographed by Peru's press.

After exchanging apologies with the reporters that had filed charges on them, Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson shook hands and hugged the men that had been the cause of their anger the day before.

The two stars stated that the main reason they had come to Peru was to continue helping at the "Casa de los Milagros", an orphanage that is home to 34 children and funded by Harrelson.

"Woody has come to Calca many times and helped with my kids, he comes every year and nothing happens. This is the first time Owen has come amidst so much rowdiness", said Mama Killa, the woman in charge of the orphanage.

Woody Harrelson and Owen Wilson received Peru's press and the reporters that had filed assault charges on them where they were lodged. After posing for pictures, hugs, handshakes and smiles, Woody said, "I like happy endings."

The two stars left the Sacred Valley today and headed for Cusco's airport, where they boarded a commercial flight back to Lima. Although the two stars tried to go unnoticed once again, fans approached them asking them to pose for pictures and sign autographs.

The Hollywood stars responded kindly and gave into fans' requests.

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# Claudia Gomez says :
December 8, 2007 [ 0:11 ]

Owen Wilson is a suicidal movie star traveling the world in an attempt to find a cure for his crippling depression/drug abuse and some are actually surprised that the paps (who were just trying to do their jobs) got a little rowdy while trying to take his picture? That being said, I'm glad that everything worked out and also that they left...

# Juan Bautizo Huamani says :
December 8, 2007 [ 7:19 ]

just trying to do their jobs, ?? lets get some facts the part the Lima press did not show...
the mob of press were tresspassing on privet property, they jumped the securty wall, breaking the 3m wall and tiles.
so, trespassing and distroying privet property is part of  just doing their jobs? that is a little too roudy? 
what kind of message does this send to future stars that would like to visit Peru? clearly it says go somewhere else.

# Rachel says :
December 8, 2007 [ 16:38 ]

I don't know how sincere they were with the apology, but it was the right thing to do, especially if they wanted to be welcomed back again to the country.

Both men are A-list stars in Hollywood and are constantly stalked and harassed by the paparazzi. Not to say that it doesn't come with the territory of being a star, but they were probably in "paparazzi defense mode."

From the interviews that I saw, it seems as if they lack cultural awareness and overestimated the "star treatment" that they expected. It surprises me that they didn't come with bodyguards in tow.

The best way that I can describe my impression of them, is that they are "Ignorant Americans."

# Jeff says :
December 9, 2007 [ 9:44 ]

>>>especially if they wanted to be welcomed back again to the country.

That is hilarious.  Peru welcomes anyone that comes to their country.  The average Peruvian knows what Magaly's gig is all about and feels bad for the actors.  The idea that they would not be "welcomed back" is simply not true.   

# Rachel says :
December 9, 2007 [ 9:54 ]

"The idea that they would not be "welcomed back" is simply not true." 

The original statement was not meant to be interpreted literally. The fact is, they will not be seen in the same light since they've already made a bad first impression despite what may be the actual circumstances concerning the issue.

# par says :
December 9, 2007 [ 12:33 ]

Rachel, said:

"The best way that I can describe my impression of them, is that they are 'Ignorant Americans'".

"The fact is, they will not be seen in the same light since they've already made a bad first impression".

Oh, please, go protest McDonald's and the TLC, next will come a lecture on the benefits of socialism.  

Fact:  These men are NOT A-list stars in hollywood, at least not since 1993 for Harrelson!  Both ARE admitted drug-addicts. 

Fact:  The PERUVIAN press trespassed on private property, the PERUVIAN press destroyed private property and the PERUVIAN press invaded privacy of these men.  Ever heard of the Rule of Law?

Fact:  An insincere apology and bribe money to make the problem go away is EXACTLY how Peruvian society functions.  This shows that these 2 Americans are very astute connoisseurs of Latin and especially Peruvian culture, and are NOT, in FACT, ignorant Americans lacking cultural awareness.

Fact:  4 Peruvian A-LIST soccer stars on the National Team are rowdy party-going womanizers who show less respect for their own sport and country's national pride than a couple of American actors who get rough with law-breaking Peruvian press.

# jb says :
December 9, 2007 [ 14:16 ]

Why don't we invite Sean Penn for some fun?  He'd last about 1/2 the time with the savages called "the press" here before he uncorked.

# Jeff says :
December 10, 2007 [ 9:15 ]

Agreed on all accounts, par. Not one Peruvian I have discussed this with thought ill of the actors and their actions.

# Darlen Herbets says :
April 20, 2008 [ 19:47 ]

What movies did Woody Harrelson make fun of with Sean Penns performance? A school project!

# sig says :
August 28, 2009 [ 14:52 ]

this is so fake. Mama Killa....owner of the orphanage!?? lol

# Lily says :
August 29, 2009 [ 13:28 ]

"Owen Wilson is a suicidal movie star traveling the world in an attempt to find a cure for his crippling depression/drug abuse and some are actuallysurprised that the paps (who were just trying to do their jobs) got a little rowdy while trying to take his picture?" 

"The best way that I can describe my impression of them, is that they are"Ignorant Americans.""

"Fact:  These men are NOT A-list stars in hollywood, at least not since 1993 for Harrelson!  Both ARE admitted drug-addicts."

I sense a lot of judgment here, to say the least.  From my point of view, Harrelson's support of an orphanage is a generous and positive act, regardless of his and his friend's alleged addictions or emotional states.  He could have easily chosen another orphanage in another developing country but he chose Peru; Peruvians should be grateful, not petty and judgmental. Both actors are well-liked here in the states and have consistently been in demand. Harrelson was in the Coen brothers' last movie, "No Country for Old Men," which was critically acclaimed, and is starring in a much-anticipated horror/comedy which is coming out soon.  As the child of Peruvian immigrants, I am ashamed of the scorn and bald envy that is heaped on Americans no matter what they do.  Try to get over yourselves and try a little harder not to be such ridiculous haters.  It makes y'all look so small and clearly misinformed.

# semper fi says :
August 29, 2009 [ 15:30 ]

Neither of the two actors are first line grade, they never have been. They do okay, and that is behind others more talented. Woody's big break was on the TV series, "Cheers".

Unfortunate that the press or paparazzi, there is a difference between the two occupations, had to cause a turmoil.

I do some support in a Peruvian Orphanage and I just like to check and see that everything is well with the people who manage it. Not as often as I should I suppose.

If Woody Harrelson supports an orphanage in the Cusco area, my impression of him has gone up. The work in Peru of those who manage orphanges is not easy.

All of us have faults, and the natural tendency is to point out the faults of others, first, making their faults worse then our own.

These are not necessarily "ingnorant Americans", but sometimes the difference in cultural does create a gap.

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