(CNN) The "Guardians of the Galaxy" cast has issued an open letter in support of ousted director James Gunn.

The cast -- including Chris Pratt , Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper -- said in a statement released Monday that they were "shocked" by the director's "abrupt firing" last week from the third installment of the franchise and have "been encouraged by the outpouring of support from fans and members of the media who wish to see James reinstated as director of Volume 3."

Disney parted ways with Gunn after a number of offensive tweets of his from the past resurfaced. The director's tweets began making rounds after conservative blogs highlighted the years-old statements, which made references to pedophilia and molestation.

The Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn called Gunn's comments "indefensible and inconsistent with our studio's values" in a statement announcing Gunn's termination.

Gunn said he accepted Disney's decision and apologized for "the way I conducted myself."

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