Rapper Ne-Yo faced backlash online on Monday after he walked back his recent comments calling out parents who allow their children to choose their gender.

“After much reflection, I’d like to express my deepest apologies to anyone that I may have hurt with my comments on parenting and gender identity,” he wrote in a statement. “I’ve always been an advocate for love and inclusivity in the LGBTQI+ community, so I understand how my comments could’ve been interpreted as insensitive and offensive.”

“Gender identity is nuanced and I can honestly admit that I plan to better educate myself on the topic, so I can approach future conversations with more empathy,” he added. “At the end of the day, I lead with love and support everyone’s freedom of expression and pursuit of happiness.”

I’d like to express my deepest apologies… pic.twitter.com/M5aTFN40tn

— NE-YO (@NeYoCompound) August 7, 2023

Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro responded: “What did he say that was so terrible? ‘When did it become a good idea to let a 5-year-old, let a 6-year-old, let a 12-year-old make a life-changing decision for themselves?…. He can’t drive a car yet, but he can decide his sex?'”

“You absolute coward,” said Daily Wire podcast host Matt Walsh.

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Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon responded: “If you’re only courageous until it starts to cost you something, then you aren’t courageous.”

“He knelt before their God,” said Fox News host Will Cain. “Ne-Yo’s sins are common sense, reality, and protecting children.”

Radio host Jesse Kelly responded: “Struggle Sessions we’re used throughout communist China and Cambodia. Those accused of thought crimes were humiliated in front of cheering crowds while they wore signs around their necks listing their ‘crimes’. Today, it happens when you say ANYTHING about the U.S. of Gay.”

Former UFC fighter Jake Shields responded: “NE-YO is apologizing because he said we shouldn’t mutilate children What a pathetic coward.”

“Isn’t it sick and sad that public figures are forced to make a statement of APOLOGY for standing up for children and child with innocence,” said conservative commentator Tomi Lahren. “Really it’s the child exploiters, pedophiles, and pedophile sympathizers that should be making statements of apology!!!”