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FRien said in comment #2590538:
Weird, I remember that saying "I hate everybody".
Probably a version edited for tv.
GreyOmega said in comment #2590548:
Probably a version edited for tv.
Apparently, they used a blank sign for that shot since they were actually shooting in Harlem and didn't want what happened in the scene to happen for real. Both versions of the message were then added with CGI, though it's much more obvious with the clean version. As Simon turns, you can see the "I hate everybody" message seemingly appear from nowhere. The I also doesn't have the top and bottom bars, even though the sign used later in the scene looks almost identical to the film sign. I suspect that in the later shots such as when the knife is thrown, the sign had actual words written on it without the slur (you can only see the I in those shots, and it looks like it's a bit farther down the sign than in the full-view shot.
Also, I agree with the sentiments online that replacing the slur to make the message apply to everyone makes the anger of the attackers seem unjustified and actually makes the scene seem more racist as a result.
Clips of the scene for comparison:
Original version
Clean version
Blank_User said in comment #2590565:
Honestly, the Original version makes it feel very justified that McClane almost get his ass kicked, and it makes Zeus appears even more patient and more of a good guy, compared to the asshole with a chip on his shoulder that he sometimes appear as.
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