Ne-Yo is issuing an apology to the LGBT community after sharing commentary regarding children and the topic of gender identity.
RELATED: Social Media Users React After Ne-Yo Is Spotted Holding Hands With Two Women: ‘All Those Songs Had Me Fooled’ (Video)
Ne-Yo’s Initial Comments Regarding Children & Gender Identity
The “Because of You” singer recently sat down for an exclusive interview with VladTV. On Saturday, a five-minute portion of the full interview was published on YouTube. In the clip, Ne-Yo shared his thoughts on children autonomously deciding to alter their gender.
“I feel like parents have almost forgotten what the role of a parent is. It’s like, okay, if your little boy comes to you and says, ‘Daddy, I want to be a girl.’ And you just let him rock with that?” the singer explained.
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Ne-Yo then continued sharing his sentiments.
“He’s five. If you let this five-year-old boy decide to eat candy all day, he’s going to do that. When did it become a good idea to let a five-year-old — let a six-year-old — let a 12-year-old make a life-changing decision for themselves? When did that happen? I don’t understand that.”
The singer later shared another question.
“He can’t drive a car yet, but he can decide his sex?”
The interview clip has garnered over 24,000 views as of Monday morning.
The Singer Issues An Apology To The LGBT Community
On Sunday, Ne-Yo took to Twitter to express his sympathies regarding his interview comments.
“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…”
The singer explained that he’s always been an “advocate for love and inclusivity” in the group. However, he understands that his comments “could’ve been interpreted as insensitive and offensive.”
“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. Gender 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.”
The 43-year-old then ended his thoughts by reiterating his “love and support” for “everyone’s freedom of expression and pursuit of happiness.”
Ne-Yo Recently Made Headlines
The “So Sick” singer recently made headlines last month after he was spotted in South Beach Miami, holding hands with two women. As The Shade Room previously reported, the footage was captured by Instagram user @jaz2finee.
In the clip, the singer was seen walking down a sidewalk as the onlooker called his name. As he walked past, saying hello, one woman could be seen closely behind him as another walked on his side.
At the time, the clip garnered a plethora of responses from social media users. Many appeared surprised that the clip assumingly showed the R&B singer embracing a polygamous romance style.
“I never thought the man who wrote ‘Irreplaceable’ would later live the lyrics,” wrote one Instagram user. “All those songs had me fooled about Ne-Yo,” another added.
Before this, the singer explained that the public’s opinion of his dating and personal life is not of concern to him.
RELATED: Ne-Yo Claps Back At Critics Of His ‘Single’Life: ‘I Might Come From The Omarion School Of Unbotheredness’
“I just need the whole world to understand this. Your opinions of me and my personal life don’t mean ANYTHING to me. My kids love me. My women love me. My future is bring as f**k. I don’t even have tome to concern myself with what y’all think. I feel like the father in ‘The Nutty Professor.’ You really think I be listening to you. Ion be listening to you.”
