Ne-Yo may be gearing up for the September 9 kick off of his North American-bound ‘Champagne and Roses Tour,’ but those who thought the GRAMMY winner was also suiting up for an apology tour have another thing coming.
As has been making headlines over the last day, the singer-songwriter (born Shaffer Smith) took to VladTV recently to not only share he came “from an era where there were only two genders,” but that modern-day parents are failing young children who are able to make decisions about their gender identities and sexuality.
“After much reflection, I’d like to express my deepest apologies to anyone that I may have hurt with my comments on parenting and gender identity,” he tweeted after the interview ignited a wave of backlash. “I’ve always been an advocate for love and inclusivity in the LGBTQI+ community, so I understand how my comments could’ve been interpreted as insensitive and offensive.”
The words did little to quell the firestorm, prompting Smith to take to social media again to clarify that his apology did not undermine his original point.
Look inside to hear what he said.
Taking to social media Monday afternoon (August 7), the ‘So Sick‘ singer suggested he was sick of the ongoing criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies.
“Ok. This sh*t is getting out of hand. FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH. I WILL NOT BE BULLIED INTO APOLOGIZING FOR HAVING AN OPINION. AGREEING TO DISAGREE IS NOT A DECLARATION OF WAR,” he wrote in the caption of the video posted. “If one of my 7 kids were to decide that he or she wanted to be something other than what they were born as, once they’re old enough and mature enough to make that decision…so be it.”
That’s not all he said.
Click PLAY on the video above to see his full statement and look below to revisit the interview that started the hoopla.