Drag Race legend Gia Gunn issues grovelling apology after calling coronavirus a ‘hoax’ that has ‘brainwashed’ America
Gia Gunn issued an apology after calling coronavirus a hoax. (YouTube/Gia Gunn)
Gia Gunn has issued an apology after calling coronavirus “a hoax” while throwing a viral tantrum because she was turned away from a restaurant
The Drag Race star suffered a severe backlash from fans and fellow alumni after she labelled the coronavirus – which has killed 130,000 in the US alone – a hoax.
“I think the whole mask thing is f***ing ridiculous,” she said in an Instagram live on June 25, after a restaurant turned her away because of a high temperature.
“I honestly think this whole COVID-19 thing is a hoax. I think everybody who is, you know, taking precautions is cute and it’s definitely the thing to do, but I also think a lot of people are brainwashed.”
https://twitter.com/evanrosskatz/status/1276596770764738566
Gia Gunn says ‘it’s OK to make mistakes’ in apology over coronavirus ‘hoax’ claim.
Having initially released a brief apology which drew further criticism, Gia Gunn returned to the internet Wednesday (July 1) to address her behaviour.
“I firstly want to apologise for using the word ‘hoax’ when it came to COVID-19,” she said.
“I realised that this was completely wrong of me and very insensitive especially to the families and people who have experienced tremendous amounts of loss and/or struggle due to this terrible virus.”
Gia urged viewers to wear masks in public and to continue to practice social distancing.
“This virus has not gone anywhere and it’s up to us to look out for one another and stop the spread of this terrible, terrible virus,” she added.
“I’ve taken this weekend and some time to sit with the consequences of my actions but most importantly to think and to wrap my head around this whole thing, but most importantly share with you guys what I have learned.
“As my parents always told me, it’s OK to make mistakes just as long as you walk away having learned something.”
After Gia’s original, poorly-received apology – in which she appeared to promote a set of designer masks – she was criticised widely online.
On Sunday (June 28), Miss Fame called on internet users to stop sending Gia abuse, revealing that she had received threats to her life over her “hoax” claim.
“Keep it simple, wear a mask, take time to talk amongst each other before tweeting and practice understanding,” Fame wrote.
