R&B star Ne-Yo apologizes after criticizing parents of trans children: ‘Insensitive & Offensive’
In his latest post, Ne-Yo wrote, 'I’d like to express my deepest apologies to anyone that I may have hurt with my comments on parenting and gender identity'
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Shortly after an interview in which he criticized the idea of small kids being allowed to undergo gender transitions, pop and R&B sensation Ne-Yo apologized for those comments.
In a social media post, the "Sexy Love" singer admitted he understood how his claim that he didn’t understand letting 5-year-olds transition could be "insensitive and offensive," noting that "gender identity is nuanced."
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the LGBTQ community.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}RnB star Ne-Yo walked back his criticism of the push to allow young children to transition genders. ((Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images))
The statement represented an about-face from his words in the interview with VladTV, during which he stated, "Parents have almost forgotten what the role of a parent is. It’s like, OK, if your little boy comes to you and says, ‘Daddy, I want to be a girl.’ And you just let him rock with that? You just let – he’s 5."
"If you let this 5-year-old boy decide to eat candy all day, he’s going to do that," the singer, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith, said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He added the question, "Like when did it become a good idea to let a 5-year-old, let a 6-year-old, let a 12-year-old make a life-changing decision for themselves? When did that happen? I don’t understand."
Ne-Yo stood his ground against initial backlash. On Instagram he posted a statement which read, "1st and foremost, I CONDEMN NO ONE. Who am I to condemn anybody? Your life, your kids, your choice. I was asked a question and I answered it. My opinion is mine. I’m not asking anybody to agree with me nor am I telling you what you can and cannot do with your children. I stated my opinion on a matter and that’s that."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He also slammed his detractors for getting to have their opinions but trying to demonize his, stating, "Why should I care if my opinion upsets you when you don’t care if yours upsets anyone? Opinions aren’t special. We all have one. People voice them regularly whether they’re asked or not. I was actually asked mine. Agreeing to disagree is not a declaration of war."
However, the defense of his comments was short-lived. The following Sunday, Ne-Yo penned a lengthy social media statement and expressed what he called his "deepest apologies."
"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. 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," he wrote.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The singer added, "Gender and identity is nuanced and I can honestly admit that I plan to better educate myself on the topic, so I can approach future conversations with more empathy."
He concluded, "At the end of the day, I lead with love and support everyone’s freedom of expression and pursuit of happiness."
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Fox News Digital's Yael Halon contributed to this report.