Actor Wentworth Miller has received an apology after bosses at a popular website poked fun at his weight gain.
The TV hunk hit headlines on Monday (28Mar16) after editors at online publication The LAD Bible created an Internet meme, which compared his ripped physique for his role in Prison Break, which ran from 2005 to 2009, to another snap of Wentworth, sporting a clearly fuller frame, with a paunch visible under a red T-shirt.
The accompanying post read: "When you break out of prison and find out about McDonald's monopoly".
Wentworth addressed the meme in a candid post on Facebook.com on Monday night, revealing the image was taken at "the lowest point in my adult life", when he turned to food to cope with depression and suicidal feelings in 2010.
He went on to admit seeing the overweight picture, which reminds him of his dark days, made it "hurt to breathe" until he decided to own his past problems and "assign" a new meaning of "strength", "healing" and "forgiveness" to the snap.
The 43-year-old actor concluded his message with a note of encouragement for fans, adding, "If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They're waiting to hear from you. Much love."
Now The Flash star's response has prompted the creators of the meme to publicly apologize for mocking such a serious matter.
A statement issued by The LAD Bible bosses on Tuesday (29Mar16) reads: "We posted two pictures of you last night to our Facebook page, but today we want to say we've got this very, very wrong. Mental health is no joke or laughing matter.
We certainly didn't want to cause you pain by reminding you of such a low point in your life. Causing distress and upset to innocent or vulnerable people is simply not acceptable."
"We applaud your raw honesty and promise to now cover such matters in the responsible manner that our audience expects," the note continued. "Responding head-on to our post is something we applaud as it will help others through similar challenges in their lives. Once again, we got this very wrong, and we wanted to say sorry."
Wentworth, who came out as gay in 2013, previously told an audience at the 2013 Human Rights Campaign Dinner that he first tried to commit suicide as he struggled with his sexuality at the age of 15.