An Andalusia native who was quoted in a statewide news story to which some took offense said Tuesday he loves his hometown, and his words were taken out of context.

Justin Roos, 36, was among the people interviewed by a reporter for AL.com in a story that ruffled a number of feathers in Andalusia.

According to Roos, the author of the story misrepresented his intentions and took his words out of context.

“He came up here and portrayed something totally different than what was said,” Roos said. “He put on a show, wanting to know about (President Donald) Trump’s first 100 days, but I never dreamed our town would be portrayed the way it was.”

The story painted a picture of Andalusia as a a dwindling city with closed storefronts and abandoned buildings, while ignoring many of the city’s recent positive developments.

“I just want to make amends with the community, that’s not how I wanted to portray our community in any way,” Roos said. “I told him our town hasn’t been down in the dumps at all, but some people have had hard times, which is true. I didn’t think he would spin it that way.”

According to Roos, he instructed the reporter to drive around town and see all of the great things that Andalusia had to offer.

“I love my hometown. I was born and raised here,” Roos said. “All we want to do is support our family and to do right by them.”

Roos said he wanted to apologize to the city and its residents.

“I just want to apologize to the community for the way it was portrayed, it really sickened me,” he said.

Roos said that if anyone wanted to really look at his hometown they would see a vibrant, beautiful town filled with good people.

“It’s a beautiful place to raise a family,” Roos said. “We have the best of both worlds being a small town with big city attractions at the same time. People here have good, Southern hospitality, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”