Ben Stiller Hand Sanitizer Scandal ‘O9: Are Mexicans Right To Be Offended?

Ben Stiller inadvertently offended members of the Mexican media when he insisted on pouring Purell anti-bacterial gel onto his hands after shaking hands with reporters during a press conference. Stiller, who was in Mexico City this week promoting Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, says it was all just a misunderstanding and that he in no way meant to imply that Mexicans are a dirty people who sweat swine flu. 

Stiller was also criticized for not having met with President Calderon, as Hugh Jackman did when he was promoting his silly Wolverine in Mexico. Stiller said he hoped to meet with Calderon and that, perhaps, he could get him a job with the Mexican government. Hahapleasewatchmymovie!

Stiller also says he has fond association with Mexico because he filmed his first film, the cinematic masterpiece that is Iguana Tango, on its beaches.

We can see how Ben Stiller would feel he had to apologize for these perceived slights, given that so much of his job depends on people liking him and being open to supporting his projects, but we can’t help but feel that maybe Mexican reporters were overreacting. We personally find it rude when people apply hand sanitizer in public and we feel like burning those little bottles each and every time we see someone take them out, but there was a virus going around and Ben would not only be attempting to keep himself wealthy, but also any subsequent people he’d have to interact with while on his press junket. Plus, no one wants to meet Calderon. He’s boring and we hear he has that thing where little spit bubbles form at the corners of his mouth while he talks. 

But what do you guys think? Did Ben Stiller slight Mexico and all her peoples by whipping out the Purell, or was the Mexican media overreacting in calling out an insult where none was intended?

We mean, there were worse offenses he could have committed. Like, for example…

• Asking for sour cream on his tacos.
• Wondering aloud if there’s a Taco Bell somewhere in Mexico City.
• Yelping “Cancuuuuuuun!” into a co-ed’s bikini bottom.
• Attempting to bribe a police officer.
• Not attempting to bribe a police officer.
• Asking Elba Esther Gordillo to “take it off.” 
• Asking Elba Esther Gordillo to “put in all back on! Right now! Oh my God.”

Un malentendido hace a Ben Stiller disculparse ante los mexicanos [Noticias Cada Dia]