Image source: Glenn Francis/Pacific Pro Digital, via Wikimedia Commons.
What was the Accusation?
Billie Eilish was criticized in June 2021 after an edited compilation video circulated online showing her, as a young teenager, mouthing an anti-Asian slur from Tyler, the Creator’s song Fish. The same compilation also included footage of Eilish speaking in a made-up voice that some viewers interpreted as mocking Asian languages or accents. The video spread widely on TikTok and other social media platforms, leading critics to accuse Eilish of racism, cultural insensitivity, and hypocrisy because of her public support for inclusion and equality. Eilish responded through an Instagram Story, saying she was appalled and embarrassed, that she had been 13 or 14 at the time, and that she did not know the term was derogatory. She also rejected the interpretation that her gibberish voice was an imitation of any culture, while acknowledging that the impact still mattered regardless of intent. Her apology used age and ignorance as context, but it also included a direct apology and a commitment to listening, learning, and supporting inclusion.
Key Apologia Strategies:
Mortification, Defeasibility, Minimization, Bolstering, Attacking the Accuser
Video
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Transcript
I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that I ever mouthed along to that word. This song was the only time I’d ever heard that word as it was never used around me by anyone in my family. Regardless of my ignorance and age at the time, nothing excuses the fact is that it was hurtful. And for that I am sorry. It is absolute gibberish and just me goofing around, and is in NO way an imitation of anyone or any language, accent, or culture in the SLIGHTEST. Regardless of how it was interpreted I did not mean for any of my actions to have caused hurt to others and it absolutely breaks my heart that it is being labeled now in a way that might cause pain to people hearing it. I not only believe in, but have always worked hard to use my platform to fight for inclusion, kindness, tolerance, equity and equality. We all need to continue having conversations, listening and learning. I hear you and I love you. Thank you for taking the time to read this.”
Sources
BBC News. (2021, June 22). Billie Eilish apologises after mouthing slur in resurfaced video. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-57564878
Shaffer, C. (2021, June 21). Billie Eilish apologizes for mouthing anti-Asian slur in resurfaced video. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/billie-eilish-apologizes-anti-asian-slur-1187190/
Mamo, H. (2021, June 21). Billie Eilish apologizes for mouthing anti-Asian slur in resurfaced video. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/billie-eilish-apology-anti-asian-slur-9589971/
