TLC’s Chilli says she didn’t intend to “undervalue” the Black Lives Matter movement by stating that “all lives matter.”
The “No Scrubs” singer faced a hailstorm of criticism on social media this week following the airing of an interview with London’s Channel 4 News on Wednesday. During the segment, Chilli was asked her thoughts on Black Lives Matter.
“I personally didn’t go into any marches, or anything like that, but for me, all lives matter, you know what I mean?” she said. “Because there is a time when different groups are targeted for different things, you know what I’m saying?”
“I just think that, just the whole … what happened, police brutality, against these young black boys, all of that kind of stuff is wrong, even if it was a Caucasian teen kid that this was happening to or whatever. It’s just not right,” she added.
The comments left some fans disappointed in the 46-year-old singer, who is known for empowering hits like “Unpretty” and “Waterfalls.”
Chilli released a statement Thursday to celebrity gossip site The Shade Room to clarify her comments:
“Of course Black Lives Matter and the killing of young black boys is heartbreaking to all of us. Everyone knows I am a black mother of a black son so there is no way I could watch what’s happening and not be affected. That video was from an interview in London asking me about issues happening in the U.S. My response was inclusive of everyone, but not meant to undervalue the Black Lives Matter movement or to suggest police brutality against blacks is acceptable.”
TLC’s London interview was in promotion of the group’s fifth and final album, which is scheduled to hit stores and digital retailers on June 30.
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