Quincy Jones Apologizes for ‘Silly’ Interview Comments After ‘Family Intervention’
Producer now says that “bad-mouthing is inexcusable,” after bad-mouthing Taylor Swift, the Beatles and others
Tim Kenneally | February 22, 2018 @ 11:06 AM
Last Updated: February 22, 2018 @ 11:08 AM
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Quincy Jones has issued an apology after recently giving interviews in which he trash-talked Taylor Swift and the Beatles, said he dated Ivanka Trump, and declared that Michael Jackson “stole a lot of songs.”
In a Twitter mea culpa published Thursday, the legendary producer said that “bad-mouthing is inexcusable,” and that he had “recently stopped drinking.”
Jones also said that his daughters held a “family intervention” a couple of weeks ago over the “silly things I’ve said.”
“I have LEARNED MY LESSON! Let me tell you, I’m so grateful for my daughters because they aren’t scared to stand up to their daddy. I am an imperfect human & I’m not afraid to say it. And I’m sorry & I’m not afraid to say it,” Jones wrote.
“When you’ve been fortunate enough to have lived such a long & crazy life (& you’ve recently stopped drinking — three years ago!), certain details about specific events (which do NOT give the full picture of my intentions nor experiences) certain details about specific events come flooding back all at once, & even at 85, it’s apparent that ‘word-vomit’ & bad-mouthing is inexcusable,” the producer continued. “One of the hardest things about this situation is that, this bad-mouthing has contradicted the very real messages I tried to relay about racism, inequality, homophobia, poverty … you name it. And of course I don’t want that. I have already reached out to my friends privately, but when you live a public life, you have a responsibility to be an example, & since I do lead a public life, I wanted to make a public apology.”
In an interview with GQ published in late January, Jones disparaged “Reputation” singer Taylor Swift, declaring, “We need more songs, man. F—ing songs, not hooks.”
A subsequent interview with Vulture found the producer trash-talking the Beatles, opining that they were “the worst musicians in the world” and writing them off as “no-playing motherf—ers.”
Party Report in Pictures: Team 'Star Wars,' Elton John, Lady Gaga Join Forces for Charity (Photos)
At an intimate night of storytelling and music, Lady Gaga made an unannounced appearance to perform "You and I" on piano during the "Backstage at the Geffen" event on Sunday night.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" writer/director J.J. Abrams chatted with Samuel L. Jackson, who told the crowd that he got in to acting to chase a girl. She is Mrs. Samuel L. Jackson today.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
George Lucas and Mellody Hobson (left and center) were two of the honorees, chosen by Geffen Playhouse boardmember Pamela Robinson (right).
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
Before the show, an inner circle had a pre-dinner across Le Conte Ave. 100-year-old Louis XII and Piper-Heidsieck flowed.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
Yves de Launay with Geffen founding trustee and legendary music man, Quincy Jones.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
Fox films chief Jim Gianopulos is more used to people doing the over-the-shoulder to him on the dinner circuit.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
Lee England Jr., who also played at Mellody and George Lucas' wedding, covered "All of Me."
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
It was Jeffrey Katzenberg's second hosting gig of the day in Westwood, after the "HOME" premiere around the corner.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
Katzenberg with the studio head who will release the new "Star Wars" on December 18, Alan Horn.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
Sir Elton John gets hands-on with Gianopulos.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
Gil Cates Jr., Pamela Robinson, Elton, Martha Henderson, David Furnish, and Randall Arney arrive on Sunday night.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
Katzenberg toasted the night by calling the Geffen "one of the true treasures of our city because of another true treasure, David Geffen."
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
David Miller and Geffen Chief Development Officer Regina Miller, who had reason to smile on the $1.5 million-raising night.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
The four honorees that drew tickets and donations: George Lucas, Mellody Hobson, Elton John and David Furnish.
Jordan Strauss/Invision for Geffen Playhouse/AP Images
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Quincy Jones, Samuel L. Jackson and studio chiefs raise $1.5 million at Westwood gathering for the 20th anniversary of the Geffen Playhouse
At an intimate night of storytelling and music, Lady Gaga made an unannounced appearance to perform "You and I" on piano during the "Backstage at the Geffen" event on Sunday night.