It’s no secret that George Lucas isn’t super-psyched about Disney’s direction with the Star Wars franchise, but the sci-fi auteur might have taken things a step too far in a recent interview. Now, he’s walking it back.

During a recent sit-down with Charlie Rose, Lucas said he wasn’t a fan of Disney’s decision to make a “retro” movie with The Force Awakens, after shooting down his proposed sequel plans in favor of the more traditional approach J.J. Abrams put together. He also compared selling the franchise to Disney to selling his children to “white slavers,” which was not exactly the smartest analogy.

Lucas has now issued a statement, clarifying his stance on the Disney deal, while also walking back the “slavers” bit. Smart move, George. Check out his statement below:

“I want to clarify my interview on the Charlie Rose Show. It was for the Kennedy Center Honors and conducted prior to the premiere of the film. I misspoke and used a very inappropriate analogy and for that I apologize.

I have been working with Disney for 40 years and chose them as the custodians of Star Wars because of my great respect for the company and Bob Iger’s leadership. Disney is doing an incredible job of taking care of and expanding the franchise. I rarely go out with statements to clarify my feelings but I feel it is important to make it clear that I am thrilled that Disney has the franchise and is moving it in such exciting directions in film, television and the parks. Most of all I’m blown away with the record breaking blockbuster success of the new movie and am very proud of JJ and Kathy.”

Seeing the interview, it seems like Lucas is (mostly, kinda) joking about the “slavers” comment (though regardless, it’s in poor taste), and he goes on to discuss his realization that the franchise will likely live on beyond him, which is why he wanted to at least have a hand in who took up the mantle next (by selling Lucasfilm to Disney).

The curious case of Lucas’ legacy with Star Wars is an interesting one, and it makes sense the guy who created the universe wouldn’t be super-comfortable with other people playing in his sandbox — especially since he sold off the rights to actually have any creative control. Logical, sure, but it probably still hurts on an emotional level. But, like it or not, Lucas will forever be tied to the identity of Star Wars.

(Via The Wrap)