Ne-Yo Initiates Deep Apology After Controversial Remarks About LGBTQ+ Parenting

Ne-Yo on ‘Good Morning Britain’ Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Ne-Yo is issuing an apology to the LGBTQ+ community for his recent remarks regarding children determining their gender identity. In a statement released on Sunday, August 6, the 43-year-old artist, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith, expressed deep regret for any harm his comments on parenting and gender identity may have caused. Ne-Yo acknowledged that he has consistently supported love and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community, and recognizes that his remarks could have been perceived as insensitive and offensive.

He added, "I acknowledge that gender identity is a complex issue, and I am committed to enhancing my understanding of it. My goal is to engage in future discussions with greater empathy. Ultimately, I prioritize love and respect for everyone's individuality and their right to pursue happiness." The singer had sparked controversy the day before when he drew a parallel between parents intervening in their children's exploration of gender identity and a child's desire for candy.

"It's like, you know, if your young son approaches you and says, 'Daddy, I want to be a girl,' and you just allow him to embrace that, just let... he's only 5. If you simply let this 5-year-old boy decide to consume candy all day, that's exactly what he'll do," he expressed in an interview with VladTV on Saturday, August 5. "When did it become acceptable to allow a 5-year-old, a 6-year-old, or even a 12-year-old to make a life-altering decision for themselves? I genuinely don't comprehend that."

Earlier in the conversation, Ne-Yo acknowledged that he originates "from a time where men were men and women were women," emphasizing, "You can identify as a goldfish for all I care. That's not my concern. It only becomes my concern when you try to involve me in your narrative. I won't refer to you as a goldfish. But if you desire to be a goldfish, go ahead and be one."

Ne-Yo, in addition to his statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), refuted claims of condemning parents for supporting their children's gender identity. He expressed this in the comments of a Hollywood Unlocked Instagram post regarding the story.

He wrote on Sunday, "Who am I to condemn anybody? It is your life, your kids, and your choice." Ne-Yo clarified that he was merely answering a question and shared his own perspective. He made it clear that he was not seeking agreement nor trying to dictate what others should or should not do with their children. Ne-Yo simply stated his opinion on the matter and left it at that.

In his Instagram apology, he concluded by expressing his love for everyone, despite not agreeing with some of their ideals. These controversial remarks from Ne-Yo took place a year after his ex-wife, Crystal Renay, filed for divorce from him in August 2022, alleging infidelity.

The couple, who have three children together, separated in March 2020, but Ne-Yo later withdrew the divorce petition. Renay, 37, expressed her pain and anger in a now-deleted Instagram statement from July 2022, revealing that she had been unknowingly sharing her life and husband with multiple women who engaged in unprotected activities for money. She described herself as heartbroken and disgusted, and stated that it was unreasonable for Ne-Yo to expect her to stay in the relationship and accept his behavior, which she likened to that of a narcissist.

Ne-Yo expressed on social media that he would prioritize resolving his family's issues privately, emphasizing that personal matters should not be discussed or analyzed in public. He humbly requested the public to respect his and his family's privacy during this period.