Last week, ‘High School Musical’ alum, Vanessa Hudgens made some controversial comments about having to self-quarantine for an extended amount of time, as well as, alluding to people dying from the coronavirus pandemic as ‘inevitable’.
The Instagram Live video feed where the commentary appeared received massive backlash from people on social media calling her words ‘insensitive’ and ‘tone-deaf’. While Hudgens has since apologized and characterized her comments as being ‘taken out of context’, some people aren’t buying it, including the actress, Olivia Wilde, who just recently slammed her for what was said.
“Til July sounds like a bunch of bulls—, I’m sorry,” Hudgens said on her Instagram, March 17, referring to public health officials estimating that a self-quarantine might need to last several months.
“But like, it’s a virus, I get it, I respect it but at the same time like, even if everybody gets it, like, yeah, people are gonna die, which is terrible, but like, inevitable? I don’t know. Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now.” On Sunday, Wilde reacted to Hudgens’ comments, essentially explaining that those types of perspectives are what will lead to the human race’s demise in the long run.
“In a thousand years they’ll dig up our society,” Wilde began in her response post on social media. “and find this precious digital moment and be like ‘mmmm oh okay so this is why they mysteriously disappeared from the EARTH’.”
Hudgens received countless criticisms from people on social media, ultimately leading the actress to return to her Instagram to ‘clear up misunderstandings’. “Hey, Guys. So yesterday I did an Instagram Live and I realized today that some of my comments are being taken out of context,” Hudgens ‘apology’ video post began.
“It’s a crazy time. It’s a crazy, crazy time and I am at home and in lockdown and that’s what I hope you guys are doing too – in full quarantine and staying safe and sane,” Hudgens continued. “I don’t take this situation lightly by any means. I am home. So stay inside y’all.” Additionally, the actress later posted apologies on both Instagram and Twitter, stating that she didn’t mean to offend anyone from her coronavirus commentary.
In the apologies, Hudgens explained that her words were insensitive, especially at this time where the world is reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. She wished people well and hoped that they were staying safe during this ‘crazy time’. Meanwhile, Wilde has been much more proactive in encouraging people to donate and support businesses that have closed, as well as, healthcare workers who are working on the front lines.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) March 17, 2020
Over the past week, Wilde has been sharing links on Twitter for charities that take donations to benefit those currently being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, including healthcare workers on the front line who are risking their lives and those in the food and beverage industry.
“Tipped workers and other service workers were already struggling. In this crisis, they need our help,” Wilde shared in on tweet, asking people to support those who have lost their jobs due to restaurant and bar closings. “Very easy to donate fast with Apple Pay. Makes a HUGE difference to those hit hardest. https://ofwemergencyfund.org,” she said in another post on Twitter.
Very easy to donate fast with Apple Pay. Makes a HUGE difference to those hit hardest. https://t.co/u3MS61TXQJ pic.twitter.com/VROvgWmuGI
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) March 19, 2020
