Host Wendy Williams took to social media on Friday to a apologize for comments made during “Hot Topics”.
What We Know:
- In an emotional YouTube video titled “A Message From Wendy,” the 55-year-old talk show host expressed regret over the controversial comments toward gay men during her February 13 show.
- “I’ll start by saying, I apologize. I did not mean to offend my LGBTQ+ community on yesterday’s show….one thing that I can tell you right now is that I never do the show in a place of malice….I didn’t mean to hurt anybody’s feelings. I’m just having a conversation.”
- During her Hot Topics segment of The Wendy Williams Show on Thursday, Wendy asked her audience if they would be doing anything for Galentine’s Day, the unofficial holiday inspired by NBC’s comedy series Parks & Recreation where ladies celebrate each other on the day before Valentine’s Day.
- All was normal until Wendy noticed men applauded as well, she said, “If you’re a man and you’re clapping, you’re not even a part of this. You don’t understand the rules of the day. Its women going out and getting saucy and then going home. You’re not a part.” Wendy added, “Just saying girls, what do we have for ourselves? Looky here now gay men, you’ll never be the women that we are. No matter how gay.”
- The online backlash was swift. Many accused Wendy of being homophobic and subtly shading stars like Pose actor Billy Porter and Johnathan Van Ness of Queer Eye, who have won acclaim for their embrace of gender-fluid fashions. Though the host hadn’t mentioned the transgender community by name, some interpreted the remarks as transphobic, too.
- Reactions to Wendy’s statement on social media ranged from unimpressed to forgiving. While some argued the two-minute clip was not enough to make up for the damage she caused, others accepted her apology wholeheartedly and thanked her for owning up to her mistakes.
Im honestly not mad at her because of what was said because we have heard much worse however it doesn’t negate that fact that it was said but she is apologizing from the heart and she still is my favorite so I can forgive her for this it’s not going to have me hating her for it
— Reginald D Hopkins (@ReginaldDHopki1) February 14, 2020
Wendy has a large LGBTQ fanbase and she rode on a float in the most recent New York City Gay Pride Parade.
