Sean Connery Ducks Political Debate, Slams Hollywood

Sean Connery has refused to participate in a planned political debate, which is scheduled for Scotland's Festival of Politics.

The actor’s refusal came after he discovered that his opponent had indicated he was going to bring up a certain issue at the forum.

Connery has been a staunch supporter of the Scottish National Party, which seeks Scottish independence from the U.K.

His assigned debate opponent was supposed to be the festival's presiding officer, George Reid, who let it be known that he was going to question Connery about his views on domestic violence.

One controversial statement attributed to Connery goes as follows: “Sometimes there are women who take it to the wire. That's what they are looking for – the ultimate confrontation. They want a smack.”

Connery always claimed the remarks were taken out of context.

Although Connery has backed away from the political debate, he did manage to attend a ceremony during which the British Academy of Film and Television Arts presented him with an award for Outstanding Achievement in Film.

The veteran took the opportunity to announce the end of his 50-year Hollywood career, and he did so with a furious tirade against Hollywood. Connery accused the entertainment industry of incompetence and a lack of professionalism.

“The time has come because of my rather unfortunate last movie. The cost to me in terms of frustration and avoiding going to jail for murder cannot have continued,” Connery wryly said.

He also accused “The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen” director Stephen Norrington of being “insane.”