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Music

22nd Jun 2021

Billie Eilish apologises over ‘mouthing racist slur’ in old clip

Kieran Galpin

The ‘Ocean Eyes’ singer is in deep water

Billie Eilish has taken to Instagram after a video surfaced of the singer seemingly mouthing a racist slur in her younger days. The 19-year-old ‘Bad Guy’ singer said she was “appalled and embarrassed”. This controversy also comes after criticism that she was queerbaiting.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQC15W2r3H5/

The compilation video being shared across social media appears to show Eilish mouth an anti-Asian slur and is then shown to be seemingly mimicking the accents of ethnic minorities.

“I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word,” she wrote on Instagram. “This song was the only time I’d ever heard that word as it was never used around me by anyone in my family.

“Regardless of my ignorance and age at the time, nothing excuses the fact is that it was hurtful. And for that I am sorry.”

Many have compared the way Eilish speaks throughout the years, drawing on the conclusion that this is something she picked up and has not always spoken like that. In relation to the voice, Eilish said the following:

“It is absolute gibberish and just me goofing around, and is in NO way an imitation of anyone or any language, accent, or culture in the SLIGHTEST.”

I not only believe in, but have always worked hard to use my platform to fight for inclusion, kindness, tolerance, equity and equality.

“We all need to continue having conversations, listening and learning. I hear you and I love you. Thank you for taking the time to read this.”