Vanessa Hudgens apologizes for her tone-deaf coronavirus comments

Vanessa Hudgens is apologizing after posting an Instagram Live video where she complained about the rescheduling of Coachella because of COVID-19. The two-weekend festival, which typically takes place in April, has been moved to October. This is especially devastating news for celebrity Coachella staple Hudgens, who complained about the move on social media, saying that people are going to die regardless of the festival. Hudgens has now apologized for her insensitive remarks, but many are using her as an example of the large groups of people who are not taking the deadly virus seriously.On Tuesday, Hudgens was livestreaming with fans when she talked about Coachella’s postponement and news that most public gatherings will be cancelled until this summer. “Um, yeah, ’til July sounds like a bunch of bull***t,” said Hudgens. “I’m sorry, but like, it’s a virus, I get it, like, I respect it, but at the same time, I’m like, even if everybody gets it, like yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible but like, inevitable?” The High School Musical actor appeared to have a small moment of clarity near the end of her comments, laughing before she added “I don’t know. Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now?”

here's the video for those who don't have context pic.twitter.com/gPFTE6BHel

— Proxcéy (@ItsProxcey) March 17, 2020

No, Vanessa. No, you should not. The response to Hudgens' comments was swift and included an ample amount of outrage by people who criticized the actor for not understanding the gravity of the situation and making light of a virus that has already killed thousands. Hudgens boasts an impressive 38.4 million Instagram followers and instead of using her platform to urge people to stay inside, as many other celebs have done, she chose to be dismissive of the instructions given by all major health organizations.

I have stage IV cancer and have had 75 chemo treatments. My immune system is wrecked from 3 years of fighting for my life without health insurance. I'm glad to hear you think my death is inevitable and that my life is expendable. pic.twitter.com/eBgkHWj9wP

— Nicole Fights Cancer (@NUCLEARnicole) March 17, 2020

As someone who has supported some of your work, it’s deeply disappointing.

There are millions of people being impacted not just from the virus but also the collateral damage.Try seeing beyond your own robust privilege in the future, especially with such a large platform.— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) March 17, 2020

You know what would be better than this apology? Donating money to disabled people who are losing income because of this, or whose lives (the same lives you so callously dismissed) are in danger.

Back up your words with action. Otherwise, they’re useless.— nylah burton aka dickhead in the dungarees (@yumcoconutmilk) March 17, 2020

Hudgens apologized for her comments only a few hours later. Posting a note on Twitter, Hudgens said that she was sorry for ‘offending anyone and everyone’ who watched her Instagram Live video. “I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now,” wrote Hudgens. “This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever. I’m sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.” The actor followed up her tweet with a video on Instagram Stories reiterating to her fans that she was taking the current crisis seriously and was quarantined at home as she hoped everyone else was as well.

pic.twitter.com/Mjw6qJ5bET

— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) March 17, 2020

One person that is not subscribing to the cancel culture movement and the dismissal of Hudgens is Chrissy Teigen. In a series of tweets, the TV host and cookbook author defended Hudgens, making the argument that although what Hudgens said was completely tone deaf, it was also human.

this isn’t about me this time. but it will be one day, or it’ll be you. but yeah today it’s Vanessa lol

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 18, 2020

As someone who also has a major platform like Hudgens and has sometimes spoken, tweeted or streamed before thinking, Teigen asked her followers to have compassion and remember that they too have likely said something in their lives they would like to take back. They just didn’t have millions of people watching at the time.

Definitely agree it was. But we have all said insensitive shit. Or maybe im just the only other one? But I promise promise promise I learned and she is learning now and that’s all you can ask for https://t.co/saLdU1ih3G

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 18, 2020

Teigen ended the conversation by saying that forgiveness helps her remain ‘clear and happy,’ which is good advice. Hopefully, Hudgens uses this as a learning moment and doubles down with her apology by using her celebrity to encourage others to self-isolate.

you are not gonna talk me into not forgiving people’s mistakes. It makes me clear and makes me happy and I’m gonna be happy. You wanna be angry online all fuckin day, go for it.

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 18, 2020

[video_embed id='1923260']Before you go: How Hollywood is responding to COVID-19[/video_embed]