Billie Eilish Apologizes For Using An Anti-Asian Slur: ‘I Am Appalled And Embarrassed’
A TikTok user who goes by @lcxvy posted old videos of Billie Eilish in which the “Bad Guy” singer allegedly mocked an Asian accent. In another clip, Eilish appears to say the ethnic slur “c—k,” referring to someone of Chinese descent. Following days of backlash, the singer is now breaking her silence to issue a public apology.
The entertainer posted a lengthy statement on her Instagram Story apologizing for her actions, explaining that she did not know its was a derogatory meaning at the time she recorded her video: ” I love you guys, and many of you have been asking me to address this. and this is something that i WANT to address because i’m being labeled something that i am not,” Eilish began her statement. “there’s a video edit going around of me when i was 13 or 14 where i mouthed a word from a song that at the time i didn’t know was a derogatory term used against members of the asian community. i am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that i ever mouthed along to that word.”
She went on to say, “this song was the only time i’d ever heard that word as it was never used around me by anyone in my family. Regardless of my ignorance and age at the time, nothing excuses the fact is that it was hurtful. And for that i am sorry.”
“The other video in that edited clip is me speaking in a silly gibberish made up voice… something i started doing as a kid and have done my whole life when talking to my pets, friends, and family. It is absolute gibberish and just me goofing around, and is in NO way an imitation of anyone or any language, accent, or culture in the SLIGHTEST,” Eilish wrote. “anyone who knows me has seen me goofing around with voices my whole life.”
Despite denying that the video portrays her mocking the Asian community, the star was willing to take full responsibility for the fact that it made many feel upset.
“Regardless of how it was interpreted i did not mean for any of my actions to have caused hurt to others and it absolutely breaks my heart that it is being labeled now in a way that might cause pain to people hearing it,” the star concluded. “i not only believe in, but have always worked hard to use my platform to fight for inclusion, kindness, tolerance, equity and equality. We all need to continue having conversations, listening and learning. I hear you and i love you. Thank you for taking the time to read this.”
Press Play Below For More:
RELATED: Kid Rock Repeats Homophobic Slur In Tweet After Backlash During Pride Month