Nicole Scherzinger tells fans ‘I’m deeply sorry’ as she backtracks over Russell Brand Instagram comment
NICOLE Scherzinger has issued a heartfelt apology for her controversial comment on comedian Russell Brand’s Instagram page.
The Pussycat Dolls songstress, 46, noted the “hurt” prompted by her words alongside a snap showing the stand-up wearing a hat in support of US President elect Donald Trump, 78.
Russell, 49, was donning a red baseball cap which read “Make Jesus First Again” to celebrate the Republican’s second US Presidential Election victory this week.
The accessory was thought to be along the style of Trump’s Make America Great Again rhetoric, which led many to believe she had voted for the controversial candidate – who is the first President to take office with several criminal convictions pending.
Some of the Don’t Cha singer’s followers were left gobsmacked when the singer promptly wrote underneath Russell’s upload – posted after Trump’s win – to quiz: “Where can I get this hat!?”
Her post – which left fans claiming they would “boycott” the star – was then promptly deleted.
Taking to her own Instagram page on Friday, she posed a lengthy slide and in-depth apology after fans claimed she had “tossed” away her career comeback in musical Sunset Boulevard.
In black text on a white background she wrote: “I deeply apologize for the hurt caused by my recent engagement with some social media posts.
“When I commented on these posts, I made the mistake of not realising that they could be easily interpreted as being politically related and I apologise to anyone who understandably reached that conclusion.
“Many presumptions are being drawn, which do not reflect who I am, what I stand for, or who I voted for,.
“Many of the marginalised communities feeling hurt and concerned by the results of the presidential election are people I care about most.
“I stand with them, as I always have, throughout my life and career. If you know me, you know that.”
Nicole. who found fame in girlband The Pussycat Dolls, added: “Like so many others, in times of adversity and uncertainty, I turn to my faith.
“I believed that the posts I engaged with were about encouraging people to choose love and faith — ‘putting Jesus first.’
“For me Christ embodies peace, compassion, hope, and above all — unconditional love, especially for those who may feel it the least right now.”
The former X Factor judge then concluded, “I come from a place of love, and I will always support values that bring us closer together.
Nicole Scherzinger - Solo Discography
What records has Nicole Scherzinger personally released?
Albums
- Killer Love (2011) – UK number eight
- Big Fat Lie (2014) – UK number 17
Singles (As lead artist)
- Baby Love (2007) – UK number 14
- Poison (2010) – UK number three
- Don’t Hold Your Breath (2011) – UK number one
- Right There (2011) – UK number three
- Wet (2011) – UK number 21
- Try With Me (2011) – UK number 18
- Boomerang (2013) – UK number 6
- Your Love (2014)- UK number six
- Run (2014)- UK number 46
“It’s so important we come together with compassion, and love one another more now than ever.”
NOT ON BRAND
Earlier this year, Channel 4 was forced to launch a probe into Russell’s time making shows for them after a string of allegations against him were made public.
The litany of claims were first revealed in September last year as part of a joint Channel 4 and The Sunday Times and The Times investigation.
Five women came forward to accuse him of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 to 2013.
Now, fans have been left questioning why pop hitmaker Nicole follows his age at all.
One took to X to write: “My question is why is Nicole Scherzinger even following and interacting with Russell Brand in the first place.”
A second referred to her candid apology and added: “Sorry Nicole, not buying it, you were after a Jesus hat, a hat riddled with dubious politics and made up mystical bats***tery, someone who you follow and engage with.”
A third confessed: “I want to believe Nicole’s apology because I love her, but it’s hard to believe she didn’t realise her comments and likes could be seen as political. Any red hat with white writing these days makes me sick.”
Another added: “Boycotting Nicole Scherzinger now we know she’s MAGA.
“*deletes that one song from my library.”
Meanwhile, Trump triumphed in this week’s US Presidential elections in what The Sun columnist and broadcaster Piers Morgan dubbed a “Lazarus-style victory” over Democrat Kamala Harris.
He scooped 301 electoral votes compared to his rival’s 226.