OAN’s Abril Elfi
3:19 PM – Thursday, August 24, 2023
Carlos Santana faces backlash after a video of him stopping one of his shows to give a speech about transgender people has started circulating on social media.
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A video of Santana playing in Atlantic City, New Jersey in late July began recently circulating online, with the artist pausing during his performance to express his opinions on the topic of being transgender.
“When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you knew who you are and what you are,” he said. “Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right. Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”
He then continued by holding his hands together and saying “I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle.”
At the time, Santana’s remark drew some attention, with one person who attended the concert releasing a brief video on social media after the show and saying Santana “spent a solid 15 minutes spouting the most insane anti-trans BS I’ve maybe ever heard.”
Other people who also attended the show started commenting on the thread.
“I was there too. It was very uncomfortable, especially the guy shouting Amen throughout. It was weird that he went on about how we are all special and unique after,” a commenter said.
After the video started getting negative comments, Santana released a statement explaining what he meant.
“Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve everyday. I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not,” he wrote. “This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear. 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.”
Fans of the singer have been split, with some who agree with Santana’s statement and others who decided to stop listening to his music after the speech.
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