Longtime singer CeeLo Green took to Twitter on Wednesday to admit he was wrong in criticizing leading female rappers like Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, who released their raunchy new song "WAP" on Friday.
In an August 9 cover story for Far Out magazine, Green caused outrage when he questioned the "cost" of women discussing their sexuality and criticized successful women rappers for their content.
"A lot of music today is very unfortunate and disappointing on a personal and moral level. There was once a time when we were savvy enough to code certain things. We could express to those it was meant for with the style of language we used. But now music is shameless, it is sheer savagery," he said in the interview.
"Attention is also a drug and competition is around. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, they are all more or less doing similar salacious gesturing to kinda get into position. I get it, the independent woman and being in control, the divine femininity and sexual expression. I get it all," he added. "You have the ‘Heads of State,’ like Nicki Minaj or someone who is up there in accolade: success, visibility, a platform to influence."
Green went on to say that Nicki "could be effective in so many other constructive ways, but it feels desperate."
The comments drew immediate backlash from people online who noted Green's hypocrisy. One of his biggest hits is titled "F**k You," and in 2013 he pleaded not guilty to putting ecstasy in a woman's drink and raping her, The Guardian reported.
He eventually pleaded no contest to a felony count of supplying ecstasy, TMZ reported.
He then caused further controversy when he tweeted at the time: "Women who have really been raped REMEMBER!!! If someone is passed out they're not even WITH you consciously! so WITH Implies consent."
He deleted those tweets and later sent out an apology, Billboard reported.
"Let me 1st praise god for exoneration fairness & freedom! Secondly I sincerely apologize for my comments being taken so far out of context. I only intended on a healthy exchange to help heal those who love me from the pain I had already caused from this. Please forgive me as it was your support that got me thru this to begin with. I'd never condone the harm of any women. Thank you," he wrote on Twitter in 2014.
He tweeted an apology for his comments about Megan, Cardi and Minaj Wednesday morning, writing there was a "misunderstanding."
— CeeLo Green (@CeeLoGreen) August 12, 2020
"There seems to be a misunderstanding with a quote taken from an interview I did a few days ago while promoting my new project. Firstly, I'm an advocate of artistic freedom and expression as well as a fan of Nicki, Cardi and Meagan. I know most of them personally and consider Cardi & Offset family," Green said.
He went on to say that he "would never disrespect them" and that he acknowledges them "as powerful, beautiful and influential women…and professionals."
Additionally, the musician blamed the situation on his words being used as a headline.
"I wholeheartedly apologize to each of them for the inconvenience they have been caused due to a snippet of my interview being used as a headline and in turn creating controversy and disconnect between me and these ladies as well as their fans," he said.
"Know that I support everyone who is part of our community & culture. Much love to all the female artists who are running the game and handling their business," he added.
Fans of all three artists refused to accept the apology and ripped Green in the comments.
shoulda just stayed out of women’s business to begin with!
— ~MELISSA~ (@EYE__LUV_ONIKA) August 12, 2020
The internet, as always, had receipts. Dozens of people shared lyrics from Green's songs to show that he has been rapping and singing for years about the same content he criticized the women for.
CeeLo: goodness gracious, women rapping about sex? is this appropriate?? could this harm society?? let's be responsible adults.
also CeeLo: https://t.co/phoMnUsch0
pic.twitter.com/iet4MF08JP— morg☆n, hot pockets heiress ????️????????️⚧️???????????????? (@synthentacle) August 10, 2020
remember when CeeLo did a whole song about fucking a dead woman https://t.co/vOlVo8jNty
— lil egusi vert ???????? (@yedoyeOT) August 10, 2020
Many also clowned him for misspelling Megan Thee Stallion's name in the apology.
first off who is maegan
— lukeisha???? (@nickianaoutsold) August 12, 2020
A number of people said male rappers often rap about similar adult content yet never receive any criticism.
CeeLo is very incorrect!
Everyone loves Slob On My Knob, What These Bitches Want, Big Poppa, How Do U Want It, and more sexual rap songs by male rappers. When female rappers deliver the same topics they’re “desperate” and “shameless”.
The misogynoir is obvious. https://t.co/EhTL8Cysxz— Dedee ???? (@thoughtfulbae) August 10, 2020
Twitter didn't hold anything back, with a number of people tying his comments directly to his previous rape accusation.
well ceelo is a rapist so we already know consent isn’t his thing. https://t.co/gQ643gXZiP
— BIG D STANDS FOR BIG DEMEANOR. (@___d0minique) August 10, 2020
Who is taking moral lessons from CeeLo “if she’s unconscious it’s not rape” Green tho? https://t.co/dsRqiSO0Iw
— Your Mum says Black Lives Matter (@judeinlondon2) August 10, 2020
CeeLo Green and his newborn arms really should’ve sat there and ate his food. We still remember the case, it hasn’t been that long.
— ᴅᴏʟʟᴀʀ (@callmedollar) August 11, 2020
Rick Ross made a song where he talks about drugging a girl, and a song about "WET ASS PUSSY" has recieved more backlash than that shit. Yeahh its sad out here. Where tf was CeeLo bald head ass when that dropped?!
— jiggaman (@jiggyjayy2) August 11, 2020
Cardi and Megan have commented on the controversy around their song, slamming people for taking it too seriously and being uncomfortable with women expressing what they want.