John Travolta Sits Out Pelham Press; Thanks Everyone for Support

Actor issues statement of gratitude to Pelham costars for stepping up to promote film as he continues to mourn loss of his son

Five months since the tragic death of his 16-year-old son, Jett, John Travolta still isn't ready to step back into the spotlight.

In a rare statement released today on his website, Travolta thanks fans for understanding why he's not making the publicity rounds for his latest film, the Tony Scott-directed Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, costarring Denzel Washington, Luis Guzmán, John Turturro and James Gandolfini.

"Tony, Denzel, Luis, John, James and Sony Pictures stepped up without hesitation to help promote this wonderful film, and their unselfish efforts have allowed my family the additional time to reconcile our loss," writes Travolta.

"I am very proud of the efforts we have all made in making this movie, and I want each and every one of you to enjoy it," he adds. "So, set your calendars for the weekend of June 12th. I promise you won't be disappointed. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

Travolta and wife Kelly Preston have rarely been seen in public since Jett's death Jan. 2 after suffering a seizure at the family's Bahamas getaway.

In an interview last week with Parade, Washington said he had recently spoken with Travolta for two hours and his costar was "still struggling."

Travolta shot Pelham last year in Manhattan. The film is a remake of the 1974 subway-based hostage thriller, with Travolta as the criminal mastermind of a $10 million ransom plot and Washington playing the Transit Authority detective seeking to save the day.

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