Actor Darren Criss has apologized to Caitlyn Jenner for making an off-color joke during a recent performance at the Broadway musical “Hedwig and The Angry Inch.”
Criss, who plays Hedwig, a genderqueer character, allegedly ad-libbed, “Man, woman, moman, wan, Bruce Jenner, whatever you are,” during a performance offending some members of the audience, including one who tweeted that the remark was “very distasteful.”
The 28-year-old performer, who is a well-known LGBT activist, posted an apology to Facebook on Friday.
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“I want to sincerely apologize to Caitlyn Jenner, all transgender people, and anyone who was offended for my words on stage during Tuesday evening’s performance,” Criss wrote on Facebook. “In no way do the remarks reflect my personal belief system or my support for transgender people. However, I do realize the severity of the comment and the weight that words can carry and for that, I take full responsibility.”
The former “Glee star” expressed his support to Jenner on her decision to transition from male to female.
“I commend Caitlyn on her strength and for spreading acceptance around the globe,” he wrote on Facebook. “I have been and remain a proud and unwavering ally of the LGBTQIA community, and will continue to walk alongside my friends on the road to full equality and acceptance.”
This is not the first time the former Olympian has had been the butt of a fellow celebrity’s joke. Earlier this month, Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood made a joke about Jenner while presenting at Spike TV’s Guys Choice Awards, which was later cut out, and hip-hop star Snoop Dogg was heavily criticized for a social media post in aftermath of her debut on the cover of Vanity Fair comparing Jenner to a “science project.” And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For her part, Jenner has largely stayed above the fray, not acknowledging her famous critics. She spent Father’s Day off-roading with her family. In an Instagram post that day, her daughter Kendall Jenner wrote: “My whole life, this soul was my daddy, and just because your appearance is different now, doesn’t mean you were any less of a father to me my entire life.” Great day yesterday for Father's Day. We had so much fun off-roading. So much love and support! Love my family! pic.twitter.com/xemTJPuySv
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