‘Dance Moms’ star Maddie Ziegler apologizes for making ‘ignorant and racially insensitive’ videos as a child
The racial awakening continues.
‘Dance Moms’ alum Maddie Ziegler has owned up to controversial videos she made nearly a decade ago.
Clips resurfaced online and controversy ensued when fans and critics demanded an apology from the 17-year-old dancer, who went on to gain popularity starring in music videos for “Chandelier” singer Sia.
Ziegler took to Twitter on Tuesday to address the controversy, calling the videos "ignorant and racially insensitive."
“There are a few videos some of you have seen from when I was about 9 years old where I thought it was funny to mock people and accents,” the Pittsburgh native wrote. “I’m honestly ashamed and I’m truly sorry for my actions. The decisions I made then are absolutely not decisions I would make today.”
Although she has matured since making the videos, Ziegler said it doesn't excuse her past actions because they were hurtful to others.
“What I thought was silly humor when I was younger I know was actually ignorant and racially insensitive,” the “Leap!” actress reflected. “Growing up in the public eye has its challenges and also comes with the responsibility to set a good example which I failed to do in these videos.”
She assured her fans that she “would never act this way now” and knows a simple apology won’t undo the damage she’s done.
“I know some of you are hurt and may not accept my apology,” Ziegler announced before calling upon her followers to not bully those who do not want to forgive her. “There is no need to attach each other or try to defend me.”
She’s hoping the controversy will serve as a learning lesson for others. “We can all learn from my mistakes and spread love during these times when we need it most,” she concluded.
Racial insensitivity seems to run in the family tree.
Sister Mackenzie Ziegler, also an alum of the show, did an Instagram Live earlier this week apologizing for her past behavior as well, E! News reported.
“I’m much more educated now than I was before, and I’m so sorry... I’m so sorry that I offended the Black community, I would never treat you like that now,” the 16-year-old budding pop singer reportedly said. “And if you guys don’t forgive me, I completely understand.”
Racism seems to be the tune many danced to on the popular Lifetime reality competition series.
In June, “Dance Moms” doyenne coach Abbey Lee Miller’s upcoming dance show was canceled amid racism allegations by a former cast member.
Miller, who was released from federal prison in 2018 after a fraud conviction, acknowledged her words and apologized in a long statement on her Instagram.
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