Billie Eilish is currently under fire following the resurfacing of an old video of her.
The clip in question was taken when the singer was around the age of 13 or 14, and can be heard allegedly mocking accents. In once spliced together bit, she’s seen mouthing along the words to a song called “Fish” by Tyler, The Creator and it includes a racial slur for Asians.
In light of the following accusations of racism, Eilish has taken to her Instagram Stories to address the issue.
“There’s a video edit going around of me when I was 13 or 14 where I mouthed a word from a song that at the time I didn’t know was a derogatory term and used against members of the Asian community.”
She went on to say…
“I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word. This song was the only time I’d ever heard that word as it was never used around me by anyone in my family.”
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She also offered an apology, stating:
“Regardless of my ignorance and age at the time, nothing excuses the fact is [sic] that it was hurtful. And for that I am sorry.”
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She went on to say,
“…I did not mean for any of my actions to have caused hurt to others and 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 have always worked hard to use my platform to fight for inclusion, kindness, tolerance, equity and equality.”
She ended the post by saying,
“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.”
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Everyone makes mistakes but it’s important for us to acknowledge them, apologise for any harm and hurt we may have caused and educate ourselves in order to grow and be a better person. We must remain cautious with the things that we say as well as the things that we do — and, we need to remember that when something goes up on the Internet, it stays there forever.
You can read Eilish’s full statement below:
*Cover image via Kenneth Cappello
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