From discussing R. Kelly‘s impact on the music industry to praising Aaliyah, Kelly Rowland, The Weeknd, and others, Tank‘s recent chat with the good folks at Drink Champs podcast was chockfull of headline-grabbing quotes.
Yet, as a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, the biggest standout segment of the interview may have come when the GRAMMY nominee (born Durrell Babbs) reflected on the backlash he received for agreeing to perform at a Washington D.C. gay pride event in 2017 (as we originally reported here).
Reflecting on how the hometown performance divided his fans and critics then (and continues to do so years later), the veteran singer-songwriter waxed honest with the podcast’s host while reaffirming his stance against homophobia.
Hear it from him inside:
As seen in the clip captured by our friends at TNT, Babbs expressed disappointment for what he suggests is a continued disdain for the LGBTQ+ community within the Black community – a state he says does not influence who he performs for as he would “entertain whether it’s a bunch of girls in the front row or a bunch of guys.”
In the video’s comments, some users asserted the singer’s support of the gay community is actually a coverup for his true sexual preference. Tank slammed the notion, however.
“As you can see by these comments, the hate will never stop. The divide will continue as long as people lack love and understanding,” he said. “You calling me gay or making up shit to support your gay claims about me won’t make me gay…lol. It also won’t stop me form supporting the LGBTQ community,” he relayed in another comment.
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Addressing this hot topic isn’t all Tank said that has viewers talking! Look below to watch the full Drink Champs special.