Shania Twain backtracks from a controversial comment she made in an interview last week after receiving backlash on social media.
Over the weekend, the country singer who is currently promoting a new album, responded to the criticism in a series of tweets.
The Backlash
The Canadian star, in an interview with The Guardian last week, claimed that she would have voted for U.S. President Donald J. Trump is she was eligible.
"I would have voted for him because, even though he was offensive, he seemed honest," she told the publication. "So you want straight or polite? Not that you shouldn't be able to have both. If I were voting, I just don't want bullsh*t. I would have voted for a feeling that it was transparent. And politics has a reputation of not being that, right?"
Critics immediately shot down the country singer and pointed out the many issues surrounding the Trump administration. Many of her LGBTQ+ fans have also decided to boycott the singer for her problematic political stance.
So Shania Twain was a guest judge on the gayest possible show of our generation last week and this week in an interview reveals she would’ve voted for trump. What in the actual fuck? The lgbtq community is not yours to profit from while holding intolerant values. Disgusting. — Julia Gulia (@DoThaFandango) April 22, 2018
Others are jumping onboard the fanbase of another famous Canadian Celine Dion who once refused to sing at the current president's inauguration in 2016.
since everyone is unstanning canadian trump supporter shania twain then may i point you all to now stan MY favorite canadian celine dion who btw refused to sing at trump's inauguration. the choice is yours. pic.twitter.com/0gQo9vLtin — Kate (@cancermidheaven) April 22, 2018
Apology
Following the vicious online criticism she received from her fanbase, the 52-year-old immediately issued an apology on her official social media account. On Sunday, April 22, Twain posted four tweets explaining what happened and clarifying her controversial statement.
I would like to apologise to anybody I have offended in a recent interview with the Guardian relating to the American President. The question caught me off guard. As a Canadian, I regret answering this unexpected question without giving my response more context (1/4) — Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) April 22, 2018
The "You're Still The One" singer stated that she is against any form of discrimination, and that she does not share the same moral beliefs as Trump. She also admitted that her statement was drawn from her limited knowledge and understanding of the U.S. president who she saw as a common man because he was not a politician.
My answer was awkward, but certainly should not be taken as representative of my values nor does it mean I endorse him. I make music to bring people together. My path will always be one of inclusivity, as my history shows. (4/4) — Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) April 22, 2018
Unfortunately, the apology she issued on social media did not appease her aggrieved fanbase.
I'm actually crying at the gay nights putting out really solemn statements that they will not be playing Shania Twain any more — not like a regular mom (@shonfaye) April 23, 2018
Shania Twain can say whatever she wants about loving Trump. I do not care. It may not impress me much. But it is her right, same as anyone. But I can also choose to not buy her albums or go to her show, too. Actions have consequences when you say things. @ShaniaTwain — The Frozen Chihuahua (@ArizonaEnema) April 23, 2018
Picked the wrong fucking day to wear my Shania Twain Has Great Opinions shirt — ex-Shania Twain Fan Account (@jenndangerous) April 23, 2018
Shania Twain is a trump supporter??? How do I return my f*cking concert tickets!? @LiveNation @ShaniaTwain pic.twitter.com/oaU0HDtmYu — Anthony Carmen (@nthonyCarmen) April 22, 2018
Twain is not the only celebrity in the past week to receive criticism for making a controversial statement. Rapper Kanye West, last week, voiced his support for Black Lives Matter critic and Trump supporter Candace Owens.
Kanye West feat. Shania Twain — Brandt (@UrbanAchievr) April 23, 2018
Twain will kickoff her Now tour on May 3 in Tacoma, Washington.
