Outlander author responds to outrage over the casting of an actor with a domestic violence history

Entertainment Weekly

Canadian actor Will Strongheart, who played a Native American character on Sunday's episode, was recently revealed to have been convicted of two counts of assault causing bodily harm in 2010, according to CBC News. Strongheart responded to CBC's report saying: "I would like to address the story and photos that have resurfaced, and most importantly, offer my sincere apologies to those affected by my actions." Following the revelation, Outlander fans took to author Diana Gabaldon's Facebook page to convey their outrage over the casting. “I have absolutely nothing to do with the casting,” wrote Gabaldon, a consultant on the series, in response. She added that “naturally I don’t think it’s good that this happened. On the other hand, I don’t think it’s reasonable to ask the production people to investigate the backgrounds of every actor they hire for a minor part.” A spokesperson for Starz declined comment on Strongheart's casting.