'The Avengers: Age of Ultron' 's Chris Evans & Jeremy Renner Apologize for 'Offensive' Black Widow Comments

"I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone," Evans said in a statement

Published on April 23, 2015 02:20 PM

Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner have issued apologies after coming under fire for making inappropriate jokes about The Avengers: Age of Ultron character Black Widow during a recent interview.

During an on-camera interview Wednesday with Digital Spy to promote the Avengers sequel, the actors were asked about fans’ hopes that the character, played by Scarlett Johansson, 30, would ever end up with either of their characters in the upcoming film.

“She’s a slut,” Renner said, causing both of the actors to start laughing.

Evans, who plays Captain America, then added, “a complete whore.”

Fans quickly took to social media to criticize the actors for using derogatory language to poke fun at the female superhero.

Renner, 44, and Evans, 33, both admitted that their jokes were “tasteless” and “juvenile,” issuing separate statements obtained by PEOPLE to apologize for the comments.

“I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone. It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour,” Renner, who plays Hawkeye in the film, said Thursday.

Evans also announced Thursday: “Yesterday we were asked about the rumors that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with both Hawkeye and Captain America,” Evans said. “We answered in a very juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans. I regret it and sincerely apologize.”