Tayyaba
In response to the backlash caused by his recent comments during a concert, Carlos Santana has taken to social media to express his apology to the transgender community. The Smooth guitarist and musician acknowledged that his remarks at the recent event in Atlantic City, New Jersey, were seen as inappropriate and insensitive. Here’s what we know:
What remarks did Carlos Santana make about transgender people?
Recently, a concert clip in which Santana can be heard discussing a transitioning person went viral on social media and struck the wrong chord among many communities. In the clip, the musician is heard saying, “When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are. Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right.” Stopping the show, he continued: “Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man — that’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”
The renowned guitarist also makes reference to comedian Dave Chappelle in the video, saying, “I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle,” while clasping his hands. This received many negative comments as Chappelle has previously been under fire for stand-up routines that included jokes about the transgender community.
What did Carlos Santana say in his apology?
In a statement posted to his Facebook account, Santana writes: “I am sorry for my insensitive comments. They don’t reflect that I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs. I realize that what I said hurt people and that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended.”
Continuing, the artist explained “his personal goal” saying that he wants “to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear. It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace.”