Billie Eilish has apologised for mouthing a “derogatory term” in an old video.
The 19-year-old faced backlash after a video resurfaced of her mouthing along to a song which contained an anti-Asian slur.
Taking to her Instagram Stories on Monday, the singer addressed the clip in a lengthy statement.
She wrote: “I love you guys, and many of you have been asking me to address this. And this is something that I WANT to address because I’m being labelled something that I am not.”
“There’s a video edit going around of me when I was 13 or 14 where I’m mouthed the word for the song that at the time I didn’t know it was a derogatory term used against members of the Asian community.”
“I am appalled and embarrassed I want to barf that I ever mouth belong to that word,” she admitted.
“This song was the only time I’ve ever heard that word as it was never used around me by anyone and my family. Regardless of my ignorance and age at the time, nothing excuses the fact that it was hurtful. And for that I am sorry.”
Addressing another clip where she appeared to mock an accent, Billie said: “The other video that edited clip is me speaking a silly gibberish made up voice … something I started doing as a kid and I’ve done my whole life when talking to my pets, friends and family.”
“It’s absolutely gibberish and just me goofing around and it is NO way in imitation of anyone or any language, accent, or culture in the SLIGHTEST.”
“Regardless of how it was interpreted I did not mean for any of my actions to have caused hurt to others and now it absolutely breaks my heart that it is being labeled now in a way that might cause pain to people hearing it.
“I not only believe in, but I’ve always worked hard to use my platform to fight for inclusion, kindness, tolerance, equity and equality. We all need to continue having conversations listening and learning. I hear you and I love you, thank you for taking the time to read this.”
View this post on Instagram
