Brian May has responded to criticism after he voiced concerns about “cancel culture” in a recent ITV’s Palooza event interview, saying that his “words were subtly twisted”.
Some fans have labelled Brian May as transphobic since he reportedlytold ITV: “I’m sure… we would be forced to have people of different colors and different sexes and a trans person – but life doesn’t have to be like that”. May’s comments seemed to be, in part, a reaction to the Brit Awards’ announcement that they would be doing away with gendered categories for Best Male and Female Artist in favor of a single Best Artist award starting in 2022.
May took to Instagram on Sunday to clarify his statement, claiming that “predatory Press hacks” were attempted to paint him as “unfriendly to trans people”.
“Yes – I was ambushed and completely stitched up by a journalist at the recent ITV event. And it’s led to a whole mess of press stories making it look like I’m unfriendly to trans people,” he wrote. “Nothing could be further from the truth. My words were subtly twisted. I should have known better than to talk to those predatory Press hacks.
“Sincere apologies to anyone who has been hurt by the stories,” he continued. “My heart is open as always to humans of all colors, all creeds, all sexes and sexualities, all shapes and sizes – and all creatures. We all deserve respect and an equal place in this world. And my grateful thanks to all of you who stepped up to defend me in the last couple of days. It means so much that you have faith in me.”
