Corey Feldman Is ‘Deeply Sorry’ for Dropping American Flag During Today Show Performance
BY KAREN MIZOGUCHI

POSTED ON OCTOBER 14, 2016 AT 12:59AM EDT

Corey Feldman Is ‘Deeply Sorry’ for Dropping American Flag During Today Show Performance

Corey Feldman was seeking redemption Thursday when he sang live on the Today show for the second time, nearly one month after he was met with considerable backlash for his first performance.

However, his latest showing was clouded with controversy after the former child actor dropped an American flag on the ground while belting out his single, “Take a Stand.”

After Feldman, 45, said, “We love you America” following his four-minute set, anchor Tamron Hall picked up the flag off the ground to hand back to him. Viewers quickly took to social media with many expressing their outrage and dismay over The Goonies star’s action.

Late Thursday evening, Feldman issued a statement exclusively to PEOPLE with an explanation and an apology.

“We were excited and grateful to be asked to return to the Today show, but there wasn’t much time to prepare. We scrambled to find an American flag to use as a patriotic symbol at the last minute and with no rehearsal,” he stated.

“Once I was on stage, my brain reverted to my choreography, which was to throw my hands up in the air with a peace sign. As a dancer, my instinct is to drop anything in my hands.”

Feldman concluded: “In that live moment, it came off as wrong and for that I’m deeply sorry. It was the exact opposite of my intention.”

His new song, “Take A Stand,” was actually a musical homage to his country, as he explained to Hall, “I’m not letting the bullies get to us… This song is for America.”