Johnny Knoxville Gets Emotional About Bam Margera’s ‘Jackass’ Departure
Margera was fired from "Jackass 4" for allegedly failing to comply with conditions such as posing for routine drug testing and seeing a psychologist.
Johnny Knoxville has opened up about the darker aspects of 'Jackass' - including his reaction to co-star Bam Margera's claims that he was removed from the upcoming film 'Jackass 4'.
In a profile with GQ published on Tuesday, the franchise's co-producers were asked whether they believed the series and movies "and the lifestyle around it" "responsible for intensifying their friends' struggles" Huh."
Jackass cast member Steve - O has been clear about his struggle with drug addiction over the years, while co-star Ryan Dunn died in a drunk driving accident in 2011.
Knoxville told GQ that losing Dunn was "heart-wrenching" & said it was "hard when Steve-O was derailing" - but noted that the latter had "changed his life" & now " Terrible "doing.
"I think each of us was responsible for our actions," Knoxville told GQ. "And when someone is struggling, everyone tries to help that person. Or at the end of the day, that person needs help. Sometimes they do not. still."
GQ then asked Knoxville if he was referring to someone specific in the Jackass franchise pointing to Margera.
In response to this question, the magazine noted, Knoxville "looked away, emotionally. Half a minute passed."
"We want Bam to be happy & healthy and get the help he needs," Knoxville eventually told GQ. "We tried to push it together. I think that's what I really want to say about it."
Margera has been somewhat of a regular fixture on TMZ recently and has slammed everyone on "Jackass 4" for being out of the film.
TMZ reported that he was initially part of "Jackass 4", but broke his contract because he did not comply with the conditions imposed by the production that related to his substance abuse. According to the outlet, this included presenting for routine drug testing, taking trachea test, taking her medication, & seeing a psychologist.
The "Viva La Bum" star has struggled with drug abuse & has been in & out of rehab in the past.
Margera later told TMZ that the orders he had to follow to be part of the film were akin to "torture".
GQ spoke to Margera, who confirmed that he was fired from the film because he broke his contract.
"It makes my heart hurt," Margera told GQ. "Because I have waited 10 years for this."
When GQ revealed Margera's reaction to Knoxville, the "Duke of Hazard" star immediately turned it down.
"I do not want to be publicly back & forth with Bam," Knoxville told the outlet. "I want her to be better."