Grammy winner Carlos Santana apologized Thursday for making a controversial comment defending comedian Dave Chappelle’s previous remarks about the transgender community. Santana’s comment, which was captured in a viral video from a concert this summer, stated that “a woman is a woman and a man is a man.” However, Santana deleted his longer apology on Friday and replaced it with a shorter message about “energy” and “love.”
During the July 28 concert in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the 76-year-old guitarist said, “When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are… a woman is a woman and a man is a man.” According to Fox News, he also added, “Whatever you want to do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”
Santana further defended Dave Chappelle, who has faced criticism from the transgender community due to comments made during his shows and comedy specials. However, after the video of Santana’s comments went viral, he quickly posted an apology on Facebook, only to delete it the next morning.
In his original statement, Santana said, “I am sorry for my insensitive comments… 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.” He expressed the importance of being true, genuine, and authentic and acknowledged that it takes courage to grow and be in the light of who you are.
On Friday, Santana posted a much shorter message on Facebook, stating, “the energy of consciousness generates its own kind. hate begets hate love begets love.”
