‘This has been a huge wake up call’: Vanessa Hudgens APOLOGISES for ‘insensitive’ Instagram video about coronavirus pandemic in which she called containment efforts ‘bulls***’
- Vanessa Hudgens shared her views on coronavirus on Instagram Live Monday
- ‘Ummm, yeah, ’til July sounds like a bunch of bulls***,’ she said in reference to the potential quarantine timeline
- ‘It’s a virus, I get it, I respect it. But at the same time – even if everybody gets it… yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible, but like….inevitable?’ she added
- A clip from the video went viral as fans slammed Hudgens’ cavalier comments
- Hudgens responded to the backlash on Tuesday and said her remarks were ‘taken out of context’
- She has now issued a formal apology, saying the outraged reaction from the public has been a ‘huge wake up call’
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
By Kate Thomas for MailOnline and Megan Sheets For Dailymail.com
Published: | Updated:
Vanessa Hudgens has apologised for her flippant Instagram video, in which she called the potential quarantine timeline ‘a bunch of bull**t’ and branded deaths from the COVID-19 virus ‘terrible, but inevitable’.
The 31-year-old actress issued a formal statement apologising for her comments, saying the outraged reaction from the public has been a ‘huge wake up call’ about the significance of her online platform.
Calling her words ‘insensitive’ and ‘not at all appropriate’, the High School Musical star kept her message short and simple.
Apology: Vanessa Hudgens has apologised for her flippant Instagram video, in which she called the potential quarantine timeline ‘a bunch of bull**t’ and branded deaths from the COVID-19 virus ‘terrible, but inevitable’
She wrote: ‘Hey guys. I’m so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram Live yesterday.
‘I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now.
‘This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever.
‘I am sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.’
She wrote: ‘Hey guys. I’m so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram Live yesterday’
Learning her lesson: The 31-year-old actress issued a formal statement apologising for her comments, saying the outraged reaction from the public has been a ‘huge wake up call’ about the significance of her online platform.
Hudgens had earlier shared another video, saying that her remarks had been ‘taken out of context’.
‘It’s a crazy time. It’s a crazy, crazy time. I am at home, in lockdown, and that’s what I hope you guys are doing too. In full quarantine, staying safe and sane,’ she said.
‘I don’t take this situation lightly, by any means. I am home. So stay inside,’ she added.
Vanessa has since taken a break from her social media activity during her self-isolation, which has seen her sharing a number of Tik Tok dance videos and experimenting with hair and make-up looks.
‘I don’t take this situation lightly, by any means’: Hudgens responded to the backlash on Tuesday and said her remarks were ‘taken out of context’
Unimpressed: Leading social media outrage over the clip was journalist Yashar Ali
Vanessa was accused of making ‘heartless’, ‘insensitive’ and ‘selfish’ remarks about the deadly coronavirus outbreak gripping the nation.
A clip from the livestream quickly went viral on Twitter as fans called her out over her cavalier comments.
‘Ummm, yeah, ’til July sounds like a bunch of bulls***,’ she said in reference to the potential quarantine timeline.
‘I’m sorry – but like, it’s a virus, I get it, I respect it. But at the same time – even if everybody gets it… yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible, but like….inevitable?’
‘I don’t know, maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now,’ she added.
Furious reaction: Vanessa was accused of making ‘heartless’, ‘insensitive’ and ‘selfish’ remarks about the deadly coronavirus outbreak gripping the nation
Later in the livestream, Hudgens said: ‘Wish I brought my drink up,’ before taking a swig from a portable mug and singing: ‘Sippin’ on gin and juice.’
Leading social media outrage over the clip was journalist Yashar Ali, who wrote: ‘What a horrible and heartless message for you to share with the younger people who look up to you.’
Another user wrote: ‘People do die, but wouldn’t you rather do your part than to risk being a factor in another’s misfortune?’
‘The selfishness of these kids is infuriating. Some of us have loved ones who are extremely vulnerable,’ someone else added.
Outrage: A clip from Hudgens’ livestream quickly went viral on Twitter as critics – including journalist Yashar Ali – called her out over her cavalier comments
‘Her manager must be fuming right now,’ yet another critic quipped.
Some fans came to Hudgens’ defense, saying that her comments were valid.
‘She didn’t lie tho y’all wanna protect old people we get it but these 70-80-90 year olds have already lived a long life,’ one fan wrote. ‘She wrong though?’ another asked.
DailyMail.com has reached out to reps for Hudgens for comment.
Numbers: Nearly 6,000 Americans have tested positive for coronavirus and 100 have died as of Tuesday
Meanwhile, Chrissy Teigen defended Vanessa after her comments.
The 34-year-old model took to Twitter to write about famous people having ‘a dumb moment’ and urged fans not to ruin their lives squarely based on that.
She wrote: ‘sometimes people, especially famous people, are gonna say really stupid s**t. & so are you. and they, and u, will learn from it & hopefully their history says they’re good.
‘It’s ok. and at the same time, wow they really had a dumb f**kin moment. but u don’t have ruin their lives.’
She attempted to keep it nameless before saying she directly was referring to what happened with Hudgens as she wrote: ‘this isn’t about me this time. but it will be one day, or it’ll be you. but yeah today it’s Vanessa lol’
Taking a stand: Chrissy Teigen defended Vanessa, saying, ‘sometimes people, especially famous people, are gonna say really stupid s**t’
‘this isn’t about me this time’: She attempted to keep it nameless before saying she directly was referring to what happened with Hudgens
As of Tuesday, nearly 6,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the US and 100 people have died.
Health officials have urged the public to stay home as much as possible in an effort to slow the spread of the outbreak – prompting officials in 11 states to limit all bars and restaurants to takeout service only.
In California, where Hudgens lives and at least 589 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus, Governor Gavin Newsom recently advised all bars to shut and asked all restaurants to cut their occupancy in half.
President Donald Trump and other government officials have warned that the US will continue to see a rapid rise in cases for several months, meaning containment measures are likely to remain in place.
Eleven states have implemented strict coronavirus containment measures this week
Closed down: In California, where Hudgens lives and at least 589 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus, Governor Gavin Newsom recently advised all bars to shut and asked all restaurants to cut their occupancy in half. Hudgens posted this Instagram photo on Tuesday
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