Robert Downey Jr. Jokes At D23 About Getting Busted For Smoking Cannabis At Disneyland

Robert Downey Jr. has become a popular icon in the world of comic book films through his charismatic portrayal of Tony Stark in the Iron Man, Avengers, and other Marvel Comics Universe movies over the past decade.

The D23 Disney Expo opened on Friday, August 23 with the Disney Legends Awards where Downey and nine others were bestowed the status of Disney Legend.

“The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor we can bestow,” said Disney CEO and Chairman Bob Iger. “It’s a recognition of talent, a celebration of achievement, and an expression of profound gratitude to the remarkable men and women who have made an indelible mark on our company and our creative legacy.”

During Downey’s acceptance speech, the actor recalled how his first visit to Disneyland went up in smoke after puffing on cannabis on one of the rides.

“Here’s a bit of trivia for you,” said Downey. “The very first time I went to Disneyland, I was transported to another place…within moments of being arrested.”

The crowd laughed and Downey explained that he was brought to a surprisingly-friendly processing center where he was given a stern warning before being returned to someone he described as “if memory serves—one very disappointed group chaperone.”

“I’ve been sitting on that shame for a while and I’m just gonna release it here,” he said.

“I would like to make amends to whomever had to detain me for smoking pot in the gondola without a license,” said Downey. “And I’m sorry, I don’t want to further confuse the issue by insinuating that pot smoking licenses for the gondola are in any way obtainable. Or for any of the other park attractions as far as I know.”

Downey glanced back at Iger before joking, “Maybe the Imagineers, but that’s their own business.”

“Anyway, that’s a load off,” said Downey before continuing with the rest of his acceptance speech.