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Billie Eilish has apologized for using a racial slur in an old video, admitting that she is "appalled and embarrassed" about her past behavior and that had no idea "c****" was a slur at the time.
The "Bad Guy" singer faced backlash last week when a compilation video emerged that apparently displayed the musician using the pejorative against people of Chinese descent and also speaking in an offensive accent.
The TikTok video shared by user @lcxvy shows clips of the star appearing to use the word "c****" and also mimicking an Asian accent in an offensive manner.
"I'm being labeled something that I am not," the 19-year-old began in her apology statement on Instagram.
"I am appalled and embarrassed and want to barf that i ever mouthed along to that word," the Grammy-winning star's apology reads in part. "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."
The backlash led to a number of Chinese former fans of Eilish calling for a boycott of the singer's music, with the Global Times China reporting on the anger felt by many.
One former fan told the publication: "I've been her fan ever since her 'Ocean Eyes' period... but I'll quit following her now. What she did makes me feel betrayed, like you give your heart to someone who actually belittles you."
As for the offensive accent used by Eilish in the viral video, the singer said that it was just a "silly gibberish made up voice."
She added: "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."
Eilish finished her statement by writing: "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."
The controversy comes amid a time of rising anti-Asian hate crimes being reported in the U.S. and elsewhere.
The move has prompted a number of celebrities to speak out with actors like Henry Golding and Gemma Chan backing to a campaign raising money for the East and South East Asian (ESEA) community.
"Like many others, I worry for family members every time they leave the house or use public transport," the Crazy Rich Asians actress said on Instagram.
She later added: "There is an urgent need for increased awareness and support so I am proud to help launch this fund, which will provide grants to grassroots organizations supporting ESEA and broader communities."
