August 25, 2023
Carlos Santana Apologizes for Transphobic Remarks
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Carlos Santana has apologized for anti-trans comments he made in a concert last Saturday, USA Today reported.
In a clip posted to YouTube on Aug. 19, as his band plays in the background, Santana says onstage: "When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are ... Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that it sounds good, but you know it ain't right."
"Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man," he said. "Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that's your business. I'm OK with that."
On Thursday, the Grammy-winning 76-year-old musician issued an apology on his Facebook account.
"I am sorry for my insensitive comments," he began. "They don't reflect that I want to honor and respect all person's ideals and beliefs. I realize that what I said hurt people and that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended."
"I want to honor and respect all person's ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift," his Facebook post continued.
"It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace."
He ended the one-minute clip by saying he is in alignment with comedian Dave Chappelle, who has received backlash for comments he's made about the transgender community, including in his Netflix standup special "The Closer."
"I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle," he says as he makes what seems to be an X with his hands.
USA Today said that Santana made the comments during one of his two Atlantic City, New Jersey, shows at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in late July. He recently completed his 17-date 1001 Rainbows Tour. Next, he has 16 shows at the House of Blues Las Vegas scheduled from September through November.
