Macy Gray reissues apology on The Today Show while bosses reportedly ban band member from wearing a “FREE BRITNEY GRINER” tee.
On Thursday (July 7), Gray appeared on The Today Show, where she addressed controversial comments made during an interview with famous controversy-goader Piers Morgan.
“I will say this and everyone’s gonna hate me but as a woman, just because you go change your [body] parts, doesn’t make you a woman, sorry”, she said at the time, provoking backlash on social media and a lot of disappointment from LGBTQ+ fans.
Following an endorsement from JK Rowling for her efforts, the singer was then praised by TERFs and those with transphobic views on Twitter, but condemned by LGBTQ+ advocates and music industry bods (Mighty Hoopla Festival, which she played this year, blasted her comments as ‘insensitive and transphobic’, just a month after she performed at the event).
Subsequently she issued a sort-of apology to Rolling Stone, saying:
“I have nothing but love for the LGBTQ+ and transgender community and have been a supporter since Day One. My statement on Piers Morgan was grossly misunderstood. I don’t hate anyone. I respect everyone’s right to feel comfortable in their bodies and live their own truth.”
Now, during an appearance on The Today Show, she said:
‘I never meant to hurt anybody. I think it takes a lot of courage to be yourself. Anyone who is in the LGBTQ community is a hero,’ she told host Hoda Kotb.
‘I said some things that didn’t go over well but my intention was never to hurt anybody. I feel bad that i did hurt some people and I think it’s about education, conversation and us getting to a place where we understand each other,’ Gray continued.
Macy Gray: “If you feel in your heart that you’re a woman, then that’s what you are. No-one can dictate that to you.”
As predicted, full back-peddle. I have some sympathy for Macy though – Piers set her up pic.twitter.com/zl1fK1K6YG
https://t.co/zl1fK1K6YG— India Willoughby (@IndiaWilloughby) July 8, 2022
Choosing her words carefully, Gray continued: ‘I’ve learned a lot through this. So I think that was one of the reasons that it happened. It was a huge learning experience for me,’
‘You can call yourself whoever you believe you are and nobody can dictate that for you or take that away from you.
‘I’ve learned so much. Being a woman is a vibe and it’s something I’m very proud of and something that it is very precious to me. I think that if you in your heart feel that’s what you are, then that’s what you are regardless of what anybody says or thinks.’
Elsewhere it’s been reported The Today Show forbid a member of Macy Gray’s band from wearing a “Free Brittney Griner” shirt during the singer’s performance.
Keyboardist Billy Wes was seen entering NBC’s New York studios in a black t-shirt emblazoned with a slogan of support for the LGBT+ American Olympic gold medallist.
Griner was detained in February, at an airport near Moscow, after authorities allegedly found vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage.
Cannabis oil is illegal in Russia and she faces up to 10 years in jail if convicted.
It was reported yesterday that 31-year-old basketball star intends to take “full responsibility for her actions” to set an example to her fans, her Russian legal team said after she pleaded guilty to a drug charge in a Moscow court on Thursday.
The Olympic gold medallist’s lawyers hope that the plea will help her avoid a severe sentence and enable her to return home sooner.
“Today BG [Ms Griner] pleaded guilty,” her legal team said. “It was her decision, informed by discussion with her legal defence team in Russia.
“Brittney sets an example of being brave. She decided to take full responsibility for her actions as she knows that she is a role model for many people.
“Considering the nature of her case, the insignificant amount of the substance and [Ms Griner’s] personality and history of positive contributions to global and Russian sport, the defence hopes that the plea will be considered by the court as a mitigating factor and there will be no severe sentence.”
Appearing in Khimki Court on Thursday (July 7), Brittney said: “I’d like to plead guilty, your honour. But there was no intent. I didn’t want to break the law”.
“I’d like to give my testimony later. I need time to prepare,” she added, reports Reuters.
Brittney’s next court hearing is scheduled for 14 July.
.@USEmbRu officials again attended Brittney Griner’s trial today and delivered to her a letter from President Biden. We will not relent until Brittney, Paul Whelan, and all other wrongfully detained Americans are reunited with their loved ones.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 7, 2022