Vietnamese assault victim wants Mark Wahlberg to be pardoned of his crime in 1988, when he beat up the former in an attempted robbery in Boston.
Johnny Trinh, 59, clarified that he was not blinded by the Hollywood actor's assault and that Wahlberg should be given a pardon. Trinh said that he was hurt, but his left eye was already gone before the assault. The Vietnamese war veteran also said that Wahlberg should not suffer from the crime any longer.
"I would like to see him get a pardon," said the assault victim.
Trinh mentioned that his left eye was blinded not because of Wahlberg, but due to a grenade attack during his service in the South Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War.
"The Gambler" star was 16 years old at the time of the attempted robbery. Wahlberg served 45 days out of his prison sentence of two years.
Trinh said that he is no longer mad at the actor and that he would like to meet Wahlberg in person. He told U.K. paper Daily Mail that the actor already served his time in prison and is sure that Wahlberg now is a "responsible man."
Wahlberg said in a statement during the new movie's premiere on Wednesday that everyone has his/her own opinion and that he needs to be "a leader instead of a follower."
Wahlberg, who is seeking pardon for his crimes when he was a juvenile, also clarified that he is not using his success in Hollywood to feel entitled to receive pardon for his crimes and said that he is prepared no matter what the outcome will be.
During a statement with Vulture while promoting his new movie "The Gambler", the Hollywood actor said that he was "overwhelmed" by his emotions when Trinh forgave him about his crimes.
"The Gambler" revolves around the life of a professor named Jim Bennett, played by Wahlberg, who is also a high-stakes gambler. Brie Larson, John Goodman, Michael K. Williams and Jessica Lange will also appear in the upcoming movie to be released in December 19.