Macy Gray apologized for her comments about trans women during her sit-down with Piers Morgan on his Uncensored talk show on Monday, following the backlash from critics accusing her of transphobia.
Gray gave a statement to Entertainment Tonight on Tuesday 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.”
In the 12-minute interview on Uncensored, Morgan and Gray discussed Gray’s views on America as a Black American. The performer talked about how she encouraged all of America to adopt her version of the American flag, which exemplifies the country’s diversity today more than the current flag created during racist times — critics bashed her. The conversation then floated to Americans being able to talk about controversial issues without holding grudges or seeming superior.
The topic of women became an example of those controversial issues, leading Gray to open up about how she felt about gender identities today. The singer admitted to being confused about how today’s pronouns operate. The two then agreed that those identifying as transgender deserve equality and fairness. However, they disagreed with trans women competing in sports against cis women because of their “born to obvious superior physical bodies.”
“I will say this, and everybody’s going to hate me, but as a woman, just because you go change your parts doesn’t make you a woman,” Gray said.
“Like if you want me to call you a ‘her,’ I will, [because] that’s what you want, but that doesn’t make you a woman just [because] I call you a ‘her’ and just because you got a surgery,” Gray added.
Critics pounced on Gray, calling her out for her transphobic comments.
Stop giving people platforms to spew ignorance & misinformation about trans people & issues! Macy Gray you are ignorant as hell ??
—
(@heyjaeee) July 5, 2022
SAD NEWS: Macy Gray & Bette Midler have come out as TERFs.
Unfollow, un-support, and unsubscribe.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) July 4, 2022
Macy Gray says changing body parts doesn’t make someone a woman. #TERF And that she knows all about being a woman.@MacyGraysLife how much experience do you have with being trapped in a body you don’t think IS YOU?
Until you know what its like… STFU.
— ???? Walter White ???? ??? (@robicheau_john) July 6, 2022
Gray took to Twitter to try to explain what she meant to show her Uncensored comments weren’t transphobic.
i wasn’t defining trans women. just women. because i know what it means to be one. i don’t know what it means to be a trans woman and never said i did. but that goes both ways.
— Macy Gray (@MacyGraysLife) July 4, 2022
Despite the criticism, some people, including Morgan, jumped to Gray’s defense.
“Macy Gray, as she predicted, is already being abused, hounded, shamed & branded ‘transphobic’ by the usual vile, vicious mob who attack women that defend women’s rights. I stand with you @MacyGraysLife – thanks for your courage and honesty.”
“What women go through is a completely unique experience and surgery or finding yourself doesn’t change that.”
Macy Gray explains why she thinks having gender reassignment doesn’t truly change someone’s sex.@MacyGraysLife | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #MacyGray pic.twitter.com/YT0wQSnYCN
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) July 4, 2022
Come on lets be real!!!! Macy Gray telling the truth, someone has to speak up without being afraid of the truth! It doesn’t make you transphobic people. Free speech is a right #MacyGray love ya
— keith valenzuela (@TheRealDjKick91) July 5, 2022
Following her apology, the R&B singer went on social media to send a message to those sending her threatening messages.
View this post on Instagram
Gray recently went on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to discuss the controversy.
“I never, of course, never meant to hurt anybody with what I said,” she said. “I think it takes a lot of courage to be yourself, to go out in the world and be honest about who you are. I think anyone who is in the LGBT community is a hero and sets an example for all of us. 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 just about education. It’s about conversation and us getting to a point where we understand each other. I’ve learned a lot through this, so I think that was one of the reasons it might’ve happened. It was a huge learning experience for me. You’re whoever you believe you are, and no one can dictate that for you or take that away from you.”
“Being a woman is a vibe, and it’s something I’m very proud of, and it’s 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,” she added.
