Evangeline Lilly apologizes after refusing to self-quarantine amid coronavirus pandemic

Evangeline Lilly is apologizing for controversially refusing to self-quarantine amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt apology for the insensitivity I showed in my previous post to the very real suffering and fear that has gripped the world through COVID19," Lilly wrote on Instagram Thursday. "The world is rallying to find a way to stop this very real threat, and my ensuing silence has sent a dismissive, arrogant and cryptic message."

The "Lost" star, 40, sparked controversy on Instagram on March 16 after downplaying the deadly virus as a "respiratory flu" and perhaps even a political ploy. Despite calls to practice social distancing, Lilly said her household, which includes her two small children and her cancer-stricken father, would continue its normal routine.

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Lilly, however, now says her family started social distancing on March 18.

"Despite my intense trepidation over the socioeconomic and political repercussions of this course of action, PLEASE KNOW I AM DOING MY PART TO FLATTEN THE CURVE, PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING HOME WITH MY FAMILY," she says in Thursday's post.

The Marvel actress explains that she never meant to hurt "those most affected by this pandemic" with her controversial post, which is still visible on her Instagram page.

"When I wrote that post 10 days ago, I thought I was infusing calm into the hysteria," she says. "I can see now that I was projecting my own fears into an already fearful and traumatic situation."

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Like many Americans grappling with the societal effects of the coronavirus, Lilly says she's "concerned for our communities – small businesses and families living paycheck-to-paycheck" and fears the "the political aftermath."

She adds: "I am grieved by the ongoing loss of life, and the impossible decisions medical workers around the world must make as they treat those affected… I am trying to follow responsible recommendations for how to help."

The "Ant-Man and the Wasp" star concludes her apology by "sending love to all of you, even if you can’t return it right now."

Lilly's remarks appear to be well-received. One fan commented: "This seems sincere. I know a few people that didn't quite grasp the severity of the situation early on. At least you were able to learn from your mistakes."

Another commented, "Thank you for coming back and realizing what’s going on, it takes a big person to do that."

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus: Evangeline Lilly apologizes for refusing to quarantine