LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Danish director Lars von Trier was given the boot from the Cannes Film Festival on Thursday after stating he sympathized with Adolf Hitler.

Von Trier made the comments at the press conference for Melancholia Wednesday, where the director spoke about his German heritage but went on to say he "understands" Hitler.

The movie stars Kirsten Dunst, who was so shocked by his words she even mouthed to the director during the presser, "Oh my God, this is terrible."

The director later claimed he was joking and that he was provoked by journalists; he has since apologized for the remarks.

On Thursday, the Cannes' Festival Board of Directors had a meeting and voted to ban the director from the festival.

The board of directors released a statement:

"The Festival de Cannes provides artists from around the world with an exceptional forum to present their works and defend freedom of expression and creation ... the board of directors profoundly regrets that this forum has been used by Lars von Trier to express comments that are unacceptable, intolerable, and contrary to the ideals of humanity and generosity that preside over the very existence of the festival. The Board of Directors firmly condemns these comments and declares Lars von Trier a persona non grata at the Festival de Cannes, with effect immediately."

It has yet to be determined how long von Trier will be banned; it is the first time ever the Cannes Film Festival has banned a director.