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.