Michelle Shocked Apologizes For Anti-Gay Remarks

Michelle Shocked has apologized for the anti-gay comments she made at a recent show in San Francisco. The singer believes her remarks were misunderstood.

The backlash against the songwriter began after she made a bizarre statement during a show on Sunday. Offended fans reportedly walked out of the venue in protest. Although she initially remained quiet about the situation, She eventually reached out to Fox News to state her case.

“I do not, nor have I ever, said or believed that God hates homosexuals (or anyone else). I said that some of His followers believe that,” Shocked said in regards to her controversial anti-gay remarks.

She added, “When I said… ‘Michelle Shocked says God hates f**s,’ I was predicting the absurd way my description of, my apology for, the intolerant would no doubt be misinterpreted.”

The singer also stated that she was “damn sorry” about the situation. She said, “If I could repeat the evening, I would make a clearer distinction between a set of beliefs I abhor, and my human sympathy for the folks who hold them.”

In audio obtained by the San Francisco Bay Guardian, the singer can be heard expressing her thoughts about Proposition 8.

“Once Prop 8 gets [repealed] and once preachers are held at gunpoint and forced to marry the homosexuals, I’m pretty sure that that will be the signal for Jesus to come on back,” the singer said. The show was quickly shut down by the venue.

Although many people believe Michele Shocked was saying exactly what was on her mind, the singer said her comments were simply misunderstood.

Audio featuring the songwriter’s remarks has been embedded below. Keep in mind that the clip does contain some foul language.

“My statement equating repeal of [Proposition] 8 with the coming of the End Times was neither literal nor ironic: it was a description of how some folks – not me – feel about gay marriage. I believe intolerance comes from fear, and these folks are genuinely scared,” she explained.

“I may disagree with someone’s most fervently held belief, but I will not hate them,” she added.

Michelle Shocked may have apologized for the anti-gay comments, but the damage has apparently been done. A number of venues have already cancelled appearances by the controversial singer.

“Many of you have reached out already following an ugly rant given by Michelle Shocked at her show in San Francisco last night. After speaking with the promoter of that show about the nature of the remarks, it’s clear that this is no longer a show we’re willing to put our name on,” Evanston, Illinois club SPACE said in a recent Facebook statement.

Are you a fan of Michelle Shocked? What do you think about the singer’s apology?