Anthony Mackie took to Instagram Tuesday to clarify his viral comment about what Captain America represents. "Let me be clear about this, I'm a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like [Captain America] is the honor of a lifetime,

Some people felt that since "America" is in the character's name, he directly represents American values of "freedom, justice, and standing up for what's right" even though we can't honestly admit the country as a whole is upholding these moral standards.

The Falcon, played by Mackie in previous MCU films, officially took on the mantle of Captain America in the finale of “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier,” on Disney+ in 2021.