Val Kilmer to settle controversy over past comments, NM neighbors ready to hear explanation

Kilmer ruffles feathers in northern New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — No words were minced in the 1993 Western film “Tombstone” when Ed Bailey tells slick gambler and gunslinger Doc Holliday — played by actor Val Kilmer — to scram after their poker game went sour.

Bailey tells Holliday, “I’m tired of listening to your mouth.”

Some of Kilmer’s real-life northern New Mexico neighbors share Bailey’s sentiments. They’re upset with him, saying he made disparaging comments about San Miguel County and chased away people fishing on the Pecos River at his ranch.

Now, Kilmer has been asked to appear before county commissioners to explain himself on Wednesday.

Calls and e-mails to Kilmer and his publicist have not been returned, but commission chairman David Salazar says the actor has indicated he will show up.