American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish apologized as she was ‘appalled and embarrassed’ after appearing to mouth an Asian slur in a resurfaced video of her that emerged on TikTok.
The 19-year-old Grammy-winner shared a lengthy statement on her Instagram story explaining that she was only around 13 or 14 when the video was filmed. In the edited compilation video, Eilish sang along to Tyler the Creator’s song “Fish.”
“I didn’t know [it] was a derogatory term used for Asian community. I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word. This song was the only time I’d ever heard that word as it was never used around me by anyone in my family,” Eilish explained.
Despite her young age and ‘ignorance’, Eilish also emphasized that it is not an excuse that she has hurt someone and she is truly sorry for that.
Eilish also addressed another clip of her appearing to mock Asian accents. She clarified that she used to talk in a gibberish made-up voice even when she was still a kid.
“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. Anyone who knows me has seen me goofing around with voices my whole life,” she continued.
Meanwhile, different opinions are coming from people online. Many are disappointed about Eilish’s issue while others pursue defending her.
Is this what the future will be? Us apologizing over things we did as children? Who gives a shit
— Cameron (@IAMCAM35) June 22, 2021
Bruh. . . if everyone had to apologize for crap they did when they was 13 or 14, the world would never stop apologizing. This is dumb.
— Rabbit (@ThisDeadRabbit) June 22, 2021
People trying to cancel Billie Eilish for something she appeared to do aged *13 or 14* is a new low for internet mobs.
— Tom Harwood (@tomhfh) June 22, 2021
Her past is like most kids in America- using racial slurs learning from parents and society. It’s not a big deal. The question is whether she learned from it or only apologize to keep the wealth.
— khmer31 (@khmer31) June 22, 2021
https://twitter.com/marcosuria2/status/1407364377888579585?s=20
Eilish finished her statement saying she has always worked hard using her 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,” she concluded.
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