The actor, who plays Sam Wilson/Captain America in the upcoming film "Captain America: Brave New World" film, took to Instagram on Tuesday with a statement he shared in a story about what the role means to him and expressing his appreciation for those who serve and have served the country.

In a post to Instagram, Anthony Mackie eventually posted a response to the backlash against him, clarifying that he is a proud American, and that he was simply trying to say that Captain America doesn’t only represent America, as he represents values that are held by people all over the word. Check out his full statement below.

Brave New World star Anthony Mackie have created a surge in online discussion regarding what is and is not American. For those who haven’t kept up with what the Marvel star has been up to recently, the Sam Wilson actor has been out doing press for Captain America: Brave New World.