Goldie Hawn ’embarrassed’ after calling calling Nigerian President ‘wonderful’, unaware of anti-gay law

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

US actress Goldie Hawn has apologised after she called Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan “wonderful” in a tweet, saying she didn’t know about the country’s new anti-gay law.

The star tweeted from Davos 2014, where she met the Nigerian President, to offer her brief opinion of him.

She later responded to fans who pointed out the situation in the country for gay people, where a new law signed by Goodluck Jonathan harshened penalties for those convicted of homosexuality or of being a member of gay groups or organisations.

“I am deeply embarrassed. Had no idea of this and was not informed! Thank you. This is a horror story!” she wrote.

Some took to social media to simply question why Ms Hawn was present at The World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos.

There has been worldwide condemnation of Nigeria after the country’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, signed into law a draconian anti-gay bill.

Anyone who enters into a same-sex marriage or civil union may be jailed for up to 14 years, and any pre-existing same-sex union is made automatically void by the law.

The law also bans people who register, operate or participate in gay clubs, societies or organisations, or who publicly show that they are in a same-sex relationship.

A panel at the 2014 Davos Annual Meeting convened to discuss LGBT issues around the world concluded that “we still have a huge struggle”, for equality.