'I was stupidly unaware of the offence this may have caused': Thor star Chris Hemsworth apologises for dressing up as a Native American character as he shows support for Standing Rock

By Jody Phan and Alicia Vrajlal for Daily Mail Australia

Published: 22:52 EST, 27 October 2016 | Updated: 02:47 EST, 29 October 2016

Chris Hemsworth has apologised for his poor choice of costume during a New Year's Eve party last year, while also pledging his support for the Standing Rock protests in the US.

'Standing with those who are fighting to protect their sacred land and water,' he began his Instagram post on Friday. 

The 33-year-old actor added: 'I would also like to take this opportunity to raise something that has been bothering me for sometime.'

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Remorseful: Chris Hemsworth has pledged his support for the Native American people while apologising for his own offensive mistake made last year

The Australian actor went on to provide context for his apology, before saying: 'I was stupidly unaware of the offence this may have caused and the sensitivity around this issue. I sincerely and unreservedly apologise to all First Nations people for this thoughtless action.'

The former Home And Away star continued: 'I now appreciate that there is a great need for a deeper understanding of the complex and extensive issues facing indigenous communities.'

'I hope that in highlighting my own ignorance I can help in some small way,' Chris concluded his post.

Controversial: The 33-year-old actor addressed the photo from New Year's Eve that saw him and wife Elsa Pataky (left) dress up in Native American costumes 

Not happy: Fans were quick to condemn the pair for their choice of attire at the time

The lengthy apology was accompanied by a photo of the Marvel star posing alongside Thor: Ragnorak's Indigenous director Taika Waititi.

The men were both holding up a sign that read: 'We stand with Standing Rock.'

There have been heavy protests and many arrests in recent days as people fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline that's being built at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

Getting personal: One Instagram follower chose to aim their comment directly at 32-year-old actor Chris

 Disgruntled: Fans suggested the couple's costumes were an example of cultural appropriation

Chris and his wife Elsa were both previously slammed when their costumes were deemed culturally insensitive.

The Melbourne-born actor was attending a Lone Ranger-themed party at the time.

Fans were quick to condemn the married couple for their choice of attire, with one Instagram user commenting: 'This is so disappointing to see. Native Americans are real, their culture is real.'

Meanwhile, another suggested the couple's costumes were an example of cultural appropriation, writing: 'Can't put into words how wrong this is.' 

In theme: Chris' older brother Luke sported a police suit and cowboy hat for the New Year's Eve party 

One Instagram follower chose to aim their comment directly at actor Chris. 'Oh no Thor has gone and effed up with this cultural appropriation,' they wrote.

Another simple asked: 'Why Hemsworths? Why?'

Meanwhile other fans took the liberty to defend the couple on social media, insisting the fancy dress party was just a lighthearted social occasion with no nasty intent. 

In the image, Elsa donned a feathered headdress, while Chris sported a black wig and war paint. 

'I sincerely and unreservedly apologise': Chris' apology comes as the people of North Dakota protest against a pipeline being built on their sacred site

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