Ne-Yo apologized after receiving backlash for comments he made regarding gender identity.
'I feel that the parents have nearly lost what the responsibility of a parent is,' the father of seven said at the time.
"Do you just let your little boy rock with that if he comes up to you and says, "Daddy, I want to be a girl?""
"Like, when did it become a good idea to let a five-year-old, a six-year-old, or a 12-year-old make a life-changing decision?" the 43-year-old continued. What time did that occur? I don't comprehend that, for example.
The musician expressed his opinion that although youngsters should be inspired to defy stereotypes, adults should scrutinize them if they claim to wish to transition.
I can't claim to have said it, but I once overheard someone remark that if your son approaches you and declares, "Daddy, I want to be a girl," you should ask him, "Son, what is a girl?" What is going to happen? He suggested that he might want to play with dolls.
He subsequently added: "There was two genders and that's just how I rocked." He had earlier said that he was from "an era" where "a man was a man and a woman was a woman," and that while he is happy for individuals to identify whichever they want to, he won't "play the game."
You are free to identify as a goldfish if you want to; it is none of my business. When you attempt to force me to participate in the game, it becomes my business. I won't refer to you as a goldfish.
Ne-Yo also expressed his opinion in the interview, asking when it was a good idea to let a five-year-old, a six-year-old, or a 12-year-old make a decision that would affect their lives. What time did that occur? I don't comprehend that, for example.
The musician has since apologized for any offense he may have caused in a new statement posted on Twitter, which has since changed its name to "X."
After giving it some thought, he added, "I'd like to express my deepest apologies to anyone that my comments on parenting and gender identity may have hurt."
"I understand how my comments could've been taken as insensitive and offensive," I said. "I've always been an advocate for love and inclusivity in the LGBTQI+ community."
The Grammy winner continued, saying that he can "educate" himself more on the topic because "gender identity is nuanced."
I can honestly say that I intend to better educate myself on the subject so that I can approach future conversations with more sensitivity. Gender identification is multifaceted, he said.
At the end of the day, I support everyone's right to express themselves freely and pursue their pleasure.
Ne-Yo, actual name Shaffer Chimere Smith, is the father of seven kids, two of which, Madilyn, 12, and Mason, 11, were born to him and his ex-fiancée Monyetta Shaw.
With his ex-wife Crystal Renay, the musician had three kids: Shaffer Jr., 7, Roman, 5, and Isabella, 2.
In addition, he had children with his ex-girlfriend Sade Jenea: Braiden, age 2, and Brixton, age 6.
Ne-Yo emphasized in a July Instagram post that he is "a FATHER before anything else."
Not even the passion of the craft, not even money or celebrity. I take action for THEM. I have THEM to thank. I'm not close to being perfect, but that's okay. I'm loved by my kids," he wrote.
Sources: Metro UK
