(TIML NEWS) “I really am sorry if I offended you.”
Gina Rodriguez is saying sorry after receiving backlash for using the n-word in a video where she raps along to the Fugees song, “Ready or Not.” The Jane the Virgin star deleted the controversial recording from her Instagram stories on Tuesday (Oct. 15), and replaced it with an apology video.
“I just wanted to reach out and apologize. I am sorry if I offended anyone by singing along to the Fugees,” Rodriguez said, before adding that she grew up on the song and loves Lauryn Hill. “I really am sorry if I offended you.”
The deleted clip features Rodriguez getting her hair and makeup done while reciting the line, “frontin’ ni**as give me heebie-jeebies” from Hill’s verse on the Fugees track.
The viral video brought up more claims of anti-blackness, which Rodriguez has faced in the past. In 2018 interview with Sway in the Morning, Rodriguez said being called anti-black was, “devastating,” but it’s doubtful that her latest antics have helped change any opinions. The recent backlash also drove the 35-year-old actress to temporarily disable the comments on her Instagram account.
Read a few of the reactions to Rodriguez using the n-word, and her apology attempt below.