Bette Midler apologizes to West Virginians after fiery tweet: 'I'm just seeing red'
Bette Midler is now singing a different tune after taking a jab at the people of West Virginia on social media.
On Monday, the Grammy-winning singer sent out a tweet slamming Joe Manchin, West Virginia's Democratic senator, writing: "What #JoeManchin, who represents a population smaller than Brooklyn, has done to the rest of America, who wants to move forward, not backward, like his state, is horrible."
Midler's remarks were in response to Manchin's Sunday announcement that he would not support Joe Biden's Build Back Better bill, the president's signature domestic policy plan, which includes aims of expanding the social safety net and tackling climate change.
"I cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation," Manchin said in an interview with Fox News on Sunday. "I've tried everything humanly possible. I can't get there."
Midler vented her frustration on Twitter Monday and also included the senator’s constituency in her rant. "He sold us out,” Midler wrote. "He wants us all to be just like his state, West Virginia. Poor, illiterate and strung out."
Background: Sen. Joe Manchin says he won't support Biden's Build Back Better social spending bill
What #JoeManchin, who represents a population smaller than Brooklyn, has done to the rest of America, who wants to move forward, not backward, like his state, is horrible. He sold us out. He wants us all to be just like his state, West Virginia. Poor, illiterate and strung out.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) December 20, 2021
However, less than an hour later, Midler had a change of heart and issued an apology to the "good people" of the Mountain State.
"I apologize … for my last outburst," Midler wrote. "I'm just seeing red; #JoeManchin and his whole family are a criminal enterprise. Is he really the best WV has to offer its own citizens?"
Midler added: "Surely there's someone there who has the state's interests at heart, not his own!"
I apologize to the good people of WVA for my last outburst. I’m just seeing red; #JoeManchin and his whole family are a criminal enterprise. Is he really the best WV has to offer its own citizens? Surely there’s someone there who has the state’s interests at heart, not his own!
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) December 20, 2021
But not everyone was moved by Midler’s apology.
"If anyone you disagree with had made a pejorative remark based on stereotypes of a particular community, you'd be the first to demand they pay for that mistake with their livelihood and no apology would be good enough," @Birdieon18 tweeted.
"You may be seeing red, but you’ve shown all your true colors," the Twitter user added.
More: Bette Midler apologizes for mocking Melania Trump's accent, calling her 'illegal alien'
If anyone you disagree with had made a pejorative remark based on stereotypes of a particular community, you’d be the first to demand they pay for that mistake with their livelihood and no apology would be good enough. You may be seeing red, but you’ve shown all your true colors
— RatherBeGolfing (@Birdieon18) December 21, 2021
A longtime fan of Midler, Twitter user @Mochahontas304, said they felt the sting of Midler's insults.
"I'm not going to lie it hurt to read that when I actually loved you and your work," the user wrote. “You are who I looked forward to seeing in the new Hocus Pocus. I couldn’t wait to share the love I had experienced as a child with my children."
I’m not going to lie it hurt to read that when I actually loved you and your work. You are who I looked forward to seeing in the new Hocus Pocus. I couldn’t wait to share the love I had experienced as a child with my children. Now, not so much. ??
— Shaunté (@Mochahontas304) December 20, 2021
Meanwhile, others on social media appeared to be indifferent to what Midler said.
“The truth does not apologize,” @suetsam tweeted. “Keep tweeting Bette. The truth in this country is dire."
More: Midler apologizes for controversial 'women, are the n-word of the world' tweet
The truth does not apologize. Keep tweeting Bette. The truth in this country is dire. Keep telling it.
— Mary Titus Sam (@suetsam) December 21, 2021
Midler was honored earlier this month at the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime achievements in the performing arts.
In November, the Hollywood legend tweeted a photo of her and fellow co-stars Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy all dressed up as the "Hocus Pocus" Sanderson sisters.
"Sistaaaaahs! ‘Tis time!" Midler captioned the photo, adding that "Hocus Pocus 2" was currently in production and scheduled to debut on Disney+ in fall 2022.
More: President Biden jabs Lorne Michaels about his 'SNL' depiction at Kennedy Center Honors
Contributing: Katie Wadington, Sean Rossman
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bette Midler apologizes to West Virginians after fiery tweet