An actor who appeared in Black Panther is apologizing to fans after it was discovered he appeared in gay porn movies when he was in his 20s.

Patrick Mutukwa Shumba, who was born in Zambia and now lives in Atlanta, played a Border Tribe warrior in Marvel's latest box office smash. After Black Panther's release, his homeland embraced him as a hero. Now some fans are upset at the revelation of his adult past.

Through a publicist, Shumba said he "owns up to the immature behavior in his past."

"What he did in his past has nothing to do with what he’s accomplished and will continue to accomplish," said the rep. "He has strong pride in Zambia and works hard to make the country and its citizens proud. That is his path and he has proven well beyond a doubt that who he is today and will be in the future. The man you’ve grown to love, not the youth that makes immature decisions."

Homosexuality is technically illegal in Zambia, and punishable by up to 14 years in prison. In Facebook videos, Shumba notes that when he came to the U.S. he had no connections and was desperate for work.

Ultimately, though, he writes, "There’s very few people who’s opinion really matters at the end of the day. God, family and close friends. Make peace with that trinity and move on."