Billie Eilish took to social media to apologize and say that she is being painted as something she is not.
The “Therefore I Am” singer shared a lengthy message addressing the fans criticizing her for using a derogatory anti-Asian slur in a resurfaced video on Monday, June 21. The 19-year-old explained that a video edit of her 13 or 14-year-old self does not represent her values and her feelings toward the Asian community. The video in question went viral earlier this month and featured the Grammy winner using a slur and imitating an accent.
“This is something that i WANT to address because I’m being labeled something that i am not,” she wrote in a statement released on her IG story. “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.”
Only Used It Once
Billie continued and explained that she only used the slur once.
“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.”
Silly Voice, Not A Racist Voice
Eilish said that the offensive accent included in the viral video is “a silly gibberish made up voice” she uses to talk to friends and pets. “[The voice] is in NO way an imitation of anyone or any language, accent, or culture in the SLIGHTEST,” she said.
“It absolutely breaks my heart that it is being labeled now in a way that might cause pain to people hearing it. I not only believe in, but have always worked hard to use my platform to fight for inclusion, kindness, tolerance, equity and equality.”
