Vanessa Hudgens has learned the hard way that the internet never forgets.
Three years ago this month, the global Coronavirus outbreak was pronounced a pandemic. The World Health Organization made the declaration on March 11th, and US cities began implementing shutdowns on the 15th. (via the CDC)
In a time before information concerning COVID-19 was readily available or had been discovered in the first place, it made complete sense to question the virus or express disbelief at the rapidly changing cultural climate.
The “High School Musical” alumna and avid lover of the Coachella festival, documented her thoughts on Instagram Live over Coachella being pushed back; Hudgens points out that the festival was allegedly delayed until July of 2020. According to Vox, the festival was delayed until October after being originally scheduled for April. It was eventually canceled and also was not held the following year.
Hudgens’ misguided clip would later go viral, and she would later apologize for her actions.
Three years later the clip is circulating once again on Twitter, and users are looking back on one of the most notable accidental pop culture moments of the year.
What Went Down With Hudgens’ Infamous Coronavirus Clip?
3 years ago, vanessa hudgens gave her thoughts on the pandemic pic.twitter.com/Zhv2Ix4kIE
— NOSTALGIA (@notgwendalupe) March 15, 2023
In Hudgens’ original Instagram Live session, she shares her thoughts on the virus’ effect on festival season.
“Ummmmm… yeah, ’til July sounds like a bunch of bu*****t. I’m sorry. But, like, it’s a virus, I get it, like, 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?” she ponders, rolling her eyes.
Needless to say, Hudgens’ critique was met with criticism.
The “Say OK” singer later issued an apology for her statements in the iPhone notes app, and later shared a screenshot via her Twitter account.
“Hey guys,” her apology began. “i am sorry for the way i have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram live yesterday. I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now. This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever,” Hudgens continued. “I’m sending safe wishes for everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time,” her statement concluded. (via BBC)
Hudgens would issue a further apology in a since-deleted Instagram video. She would also post information and resources to her feed.
Twitter Revisits The Old Clip Three Years Later
“It’s a virus, like I get it, I respect it…” idk why that one line sends me😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ulFDCvxwFo
— Dwayne Paul (@dwaynepaul06) March 15, 2023
Three years (and many vaccination developments later), Hudgens’s clip continues to generate conversation on social media.
Pop culture Twitter account NOSTALGIA tweeted the clip on Wednesday, and fans would discuss the infamous clip in its thread.
“she was actually queen for this,” a user weighed in.
“all this because she wanted to go to coachella,” another wrote, adding a Bravo gif.
“we all know what she was trying to say and y’all DRAGGED her [skelton emoji],” a user said.
“what’s even crazier is that is literally about coachella,” another fan tweeted.
“lmfaooo we had no idea what we were in for back then [crying emoji],” a user wrote.
“she made her team earn their money on that day,” a user chimed in.
“I quote this regularly,” a fan said.
“saw this live and was praying for her team to take her phone away,” a fan recalled.
“This comment section is full of people who obviously didn’t lose loved ones to this disease,” a user wrote. “We get it, ur desensitized, and lack connection to community care. Y’all’s privilege is showing. Some people are chronically ill and disabled. At least try and step outside urself,” they concluded.
“I literally can’t believe this was real this literally comes off as an snl skit,” another fan tweeted.
“Omg I had totally erased this from my memory. it was wild [laughing emoji],” another user wrote.
“she coulda kept this to a journal,” another fan contributed.
“now this is why troy chose her over sharpay [crying emoji] she ate,” a “High School Musical” fan tweeted.
More recently, the now-engaged Hudgens has made headlines for commenting on her ex, Austin Butler,’s dedication to preserving his ‘Elvis’ accent. Butler portrayed Elvis Presley in last year’s biopic of the late rock and roll pioneer.
