Vanessa Hudgens apologizes for 'insensitive' coronavirus comments after backlash
Vanessa Hudgens has apologized for making "insensitive" comments about the coronavirus, adding she takes the situation "seriously."
During an Instagram Live on Monday, the High School Musical star called President Trump's assertion that the crisis could last through July “bulls***.” She also made a flippant remark about the "inevitable" deaths caused by the pandemic. In a mea culpa Tuesday, Hudgens said she's "sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone" who watched.
"I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now," she wrote. "This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever."
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) March 17, 2020
Hudgens also addressed her 38 million followers directly on her Instagram story Tuesday afternoon, but called her comments a misunderstanding.
"Hey guys, so yesterday I did an Instagram Live and I realize today that some of my comments are being taken out of context," she 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 that’s what you guys are doing, too, in full quarantine and staying safe and sane. Um, yeah I don’t take this situation lightly by any means. I am home. So stay inside y’all."
The actress sparked backlash when she commented about the potential length and severity of the coronavirus outbreak.
"Um, yeah, 'til July sounds like a bunch of bulls***, I'm sorry," Hudgens declared Monday. "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 added, "I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't be doing this right now."
Social media users, including actors Josh Gad and Logan Lerman, weighed in.
2. @VanessaHudgens says her remarks in the video above have been taken out of context?!
She doesn’t explain how she believes her remarks were taken out of context.
She adds that everyone should stay in their homes. pic.twitter.com/7CfodhkcEb— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) March 17, 2020
She is like 31... strange. I suppose until
It hits home this is not real for many people.— roxane gay (@rgay) March 17, 2020
God help us.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 17, 2020
Like, what a schmuck
— Logan Lerman (@LoganLerman) March 17, 2020
ashley tisdale posted a wholesome quarantine video doing the HSM choreography and vanessa hudgens said dying is inevitable I hope Ms. Darbus is recognizes her mistake
— Steadman? (@AsteadWesley) March 17, 2020
not Vanessa Hudgens saying everyone should just get corona bc death is inevitable rich people are NUTS!!!!!https://t.co/sJElvhWCvB
— lilnanie??? (@nalaeanais) March 17, 2020
Kathy Ireland defended Hudgens, writing, "This clearly is a young woman who is upset, frightened and clearly needs help."
twitter, please let's halt all attacks on #VanessaHudgens. This clearly is a young woman who is upset, frightened and clearly needs help. We all make mistakes at different times. This is clearly one of those moments in Vanessa's life. Hearts go out to her...
— kathy ireland (@kathyireland) March 17, 2020
Hudgens isn't the only person who has been called out for insensitive content on social media. Kristin Cavallari was trolled for going on vacation with friends amid the outbreak. She posted a cheeky response on Tuesday.
For the latest news on the evolving coronavirus outbreak, follow along here. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC and WHO’s resource guides.
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