Ne-Yo Apologizes After Backlash For 'Insensitive' Comments On Gender Identity & Parenting

Ne-Yo is sharing further insight into his stance on parenting transgender children. The R&B superstar came under fire for recent comments he made on the Gloria Velez podcast in which he criticized parents who support their kids' gender transitions. Ne-Yo had said in the interview that he "personally came from an era where a man was a man and a woman was a woman" and that he doesn't "understand" when it became "a good idea to let a 5-year-old, let a 6-year-old, let a 12-year-old make a life-changing decision" for themselves. In a new statement posted to social media over the weekend, Ne-Yo apologized for the remarks and explained that he is willing to have an open mind and learn more about the subject in order to be a better ally in the future. "After much reflection, I'd like to express my deepest apologies to anyone that I may have hurt with my comments on parenting and gender identity. I've always been an advocate for love and inclusivity in the LGBTQI+ community, so I understand how my comments could've been interpreted as insensitive and offensive. Gender identity is nuanced and I can honestly admit that I plan to better educate myself on the topic, so I can approach future conversations with more empathy. At the end of the day, I lead with love and support everyone’s freedom of expression and pursuit of happiness," the message read.