Lil Nas X Apologizes for Insensitive Joke About Transitioning
Lil Nas X, an American rapper, singer, and songwriter, recently apologized for joking about transitioning.
The artist, known for his chart-topping hits and boundary-pushing music videos, faced criticism from the LGBTQ+ community and allies for his Twitter post.
The rapper posted a now-deleted tweet of a photo of a woman resembling him and captioned, “The surgery was a success.” He has now expressed remorse towards his transgender fans.
The post received backlash from LGBTQ+ community members for making jokes about transgender people.
Particularly considering the ACLU’s report that over 400 anti-trans bills are presently under consideration in the United States.
Lil Nas X apologizes to the trans community after being accused of mocking transitioning in a now-deleted post. pic.twitter.com/f8mdWEQ4kA
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 14, 2023
Twitter Responses to Lil Nas X
One response to Lil Nas X read, “you’re a gay cis male. Why are you making transitioning a joke punchline.”
Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, responded to the tweet, writing, “I’m just saying she looks like me. Y’all can’t be f***ing serious.”
In addition, another Twitter user quoted this and wrote, “Why did he have to mention surgery tho.”
“Because she has titties? Are you dense?” replied Lil Nas X in a quote tweet. Following the exchanges, the singer of “Industry Baby” returned to the social media platform and responded to the criticism.
“Apologies to the trans community,” he wrote. “I handled that situation angrily instead of considering why it was not cool. Much love to you guys. Sorry.”
He went on to say that he understood the seriousness of issues facing the trans community and was committed to being an ally and using his platform to raise awareness and promote equality.
A Twitter user who identifies as transgender in response to his apology wrote, “Baby, this apology ain’t it! You must apologize to the trans community in material ways, including money, sharing your platform to raise awareness, and keeping it! This is fake as hell!”
girl eat my ass https://t.co/EXs1p9vkaw
— ☆ (@LilNasX) March 14, 2023
Lil Nas X then quoted her tweet, writing, “girl, eat my ass.” The incident and subsequent apology sparked a conversation about the importance of language and the impact of harmful or offensive jokes.
Lil Nas X’s Apology
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, humor can be a coping mechanism, but it’s essential to recognize that not all jokes are harmless.
Trans people face significant discrimination and violence, and many struggle with mental health issues.
Jokes that trivialize or mock their experiences can contribute to a culture of transphobia and make it more difficult for trans people to feel safe and accepted.
In the aftermath of the incident, Lil Nas X has pledged to learn more about trans issues and to use his platform to promote acceptance and understanding.
His apology sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding him for taking responsibility and showing a willingness to learn.
In contrast, others criticized him for making the joke in the first place.
Lil Nas X has been preparing to launch his second album, a continuation of his debut album titled “Montero.”
In February, he hinted that the upcoming project might for release in the summer.
“It’s mostly planning now,” he said at the time. “I could just release music, but I must build moments around this s**t. I have to go bigger than before!”
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