Bad Boys for Life actress Vanessa Hudgens is facing backlash for comments she made about the coronavirus pandemic.
The 31-year-old performer shared her thoughts on COVID-19 on Instagram Live Monday. She said nationwide social distancing and shutdowns by companies like Starbucks and Macy’s, which experts say could last through July or longer, are “a bunch of bulls—.”
“Um, yeah, till July sounds like a bunch of bulls—, I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s a virus, I get it, I respect it, but at the same time, even if everybody gets it, like, yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible, but like… inevitable?”
“I dunno, maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now,” she added before laughing.
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here's the video for those who don't have context pic.twitter.com/gPFTE6BHel
— Proxcey (@ItsProxcey) March 17, 2020
The social media backlash was swift, prompting Hudgens to issue multiple statements. She initially said, her remarks were misunderstood.
“Some of my comments are being taken out of context,” Hudgens explained. “It’s a crazy time. I’m at home in lockdown, and that’s what I hope you guys are doing too. In full quarantine, and staying safe and sane.”
She added, “I don’t take this situation lightly by any means. I am home. So, stay inside, y’all.”
Later, the Spring Breakers star issued a written statement that included an apology.
“I’m so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone… I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now. This has been a huge wake-up call about the significance my words have,” she said.
The controversy follows a growing list of celebrities including Idris Elba, Tom Hanks, Kevin Durant, and Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju who have tested positive for the virus.
As of Wednesday night, the death toll in the U.S. from coronavirus had climbed to almost 150 people, CNN reported.
