Macy Gray Says She "Never Meant To Hurt Anybody" Following Her Controversial Anti-Trans Comments

    "You can call yourself whoever you believe you are and no one can dictate that for you."

    Macy Gray is taking a moment to reflect after facing backlash for recent anti-trans comments.

    A closeup of Macy

    Earlier this week, the musician shared her stance on trans women during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

    "Just because you go change your parts, doesn't make you a woman, sorry." Don't miss Piers Morgan's interview with singer Macy Gray on tonight's show. TalkTV, 8pm. @MacyGraysLife | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #MacyGray

    @PiersUncensored / Talk TV / Via Twitter: @PiersUncensored

    "As a woman, just because you go and change your parts doesn't make you a woman, sorry," Macy said, adding, "If you want me to call you a 'her,' I will, because that's what you want, but that doesn't make you a woman just because I call you a 'her' and just because you got a surgery."

    A closeup of Macy

    She continued, "A woman goes through a completely unique experience, and surgery and finding yourself doesn't change that. Being a little girl is a whole epic book, you know? You can't have that just because you want to be a woman."

    A closeup of Macy

    After people began calling her out for the anti-trans nature of her comments, Macy took to Twitter to say that things had been "GROSSLY misunderstood" and that she's "been a supporter [of the LGBTQ community] since day one and never a fake one."

    A closeup of Macy

    "i wasn't defining trans women. just women. because i know what it means to be one. i don't know what it means to be a trans woman and never said i did. but that goes both ways," Macy wrote at one point.

    @LucyRebelHeart @anorderlymess @mightyhoopla i wasn't defining trans women. just women. because i know what it means to be one. i don't know what it means to be a trans woman and never said i did. but that goes both ways.

    @MacyGraysLife / Via Twitter: @MacyGraysLife

    But after continuing to face backlash, the singer told those that were threatening her to "be whatever you wana be, and fk off."

    @macygrayslife / Via Twitter: @MacyGraysLife

    Now, looking back on her initial comments, Macy had the chance to discuss her thoughts — and acknowledge anyone she hurt.

    A closeup of Macy

    "I never meant to hurt anybody with what I said. I think it takes a lot of courage to be yourself, to go out in the world and be honest about who you are," Macy told Hoda Kotb on the Today show.

    A closeup of Macy

    She added that she believes any member of "the LGBT community is a hero" and "sets an example for others."

    A closeup of Macy

    While she acknowledged that her comments "didn't go over well," she says her "intention was never to hurt anybody" and she feels "bad that I did hurt some people."

    A closeup of Macy

    "Education is about conversation and us getting to a point where we understand each other. I've learned a lot through this. It was a huge learning experience for me," Macy shared.

    A closeup of Macy

    She added, "You can call yourself whoever you believe you are, and no one can dictate that for you or take that away from you."

    A closeup of Macy

    As for whether the reaction to her comments caused her to reconsider her viewpoint, she wasn't quite clear, reiterating that she had learned "so much" in the recent days.

    A closeup of Macy

    "You know, being a woman is a vibe, and it's something that I'm very proud of," Macy said, adding, "It's very precious to me, and I think that if you, in your heart, feel that's what you are, then that's what you are, regardless of what anybody says or thinks."

    A closeup of Macy

    You can hear all that Macy had to say here.

    Editor's Note: BuzzFeed does not support discriminatory or hateful speech in any form. We stand by the LGBTQ+ community. If you, like us, feel impassioned about trans rights, learn more or donate here.