Wendy Williams apologized Friday for comments she made Thursday about gay men wearing traditionally female clothing.
In a video posted to Twitter, the talk show host acknowledged that she sounded “out-of-touch.”
“I’m not out of touch,” she added, “except for perhaps yesterday by saying what I said. I deeply apologize and I deeply appreciate the support that I get from the community. I will do better.”
The 55-year-old afternoon show veteran faced swift backlash Thursday after telling gay men to “stop wearing our skirts and our heels.” She then added that gay men will never “be the women that we are.”
During her review of “hot topics,” Williams was talking about Galentine’s Day, a holiday made popular by the TV show “Park and Recreation.” In that show, the female characters go to brunch together on Valentine’s Day to celebrate the other women in their lives.
“If you’re a man and you’re clapping, you’re not even a part of this. You don’t understand the rules of the day. It’s women going out and getting saucy and then going home. You’re not a part,” she said.
She added she didn’t “care” if men clapping along were gay, since they didn’t get periods.
Fan reaction to the Twitter apology was initially positive.
“We love you Wendy! It was a joke, and I know you never meant anything wrong… Not to mention on Wednesday’s show when you introduced Zaya Wade to us with ALL the correct pronouns (even calling her the sibling’s sister). True fans know your heart,” wrote one viewer, referencing Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union’s child, who announced through her parents this week that she now uses female pronouns.
“Anyone who’s a fan of Miss Wendy knows damn well she has been a longtime vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ since the 80s! And I’m ashamed of you all roasting her. And can no one make a joke anymore? She’s also the first to say she’s wrong. I don’t believe she meant anything rude,” said another.
Watch her apology below:
A message from Wendy. pic.twitter.com/aEpMvubJVJ
– Wendy Williams (@WendyWilliams) February 14, 2020