Nicole Scherzinger receives support from 'The View' hosts after election post controversy
"The View" co-hosts are defending Nicole Scherzinger after a social media post was misconstrued as the singer supporting Donald Trump.
The ABC talk-show hosts came to Scherzinger's defense on Monday after the pop singer received criticism for commenting on an Election Day post from comedian Russell Brand.
"Emotions are so raw," co-host Ana Navarro said. "It's overkill. I think people are losing their minds. Right now social media is a rough, rough place to be. You can literally post a picture of puppies and there will be thousands of people attacking you."
Last Tuesday, Brand shared a photo of himself on Instagram posing with a red cap that read "Make Jesus First Again." The hat's slogan and color were a play on President-elect Donald Trump's popular campaign catchphrase, "Make America Great Again."
Scherzinger enthusiastically responded to Brand's post, writing in a since-deleted comment, "Where do I get this hat?" The comment drew immediate backlash on social media, with many interpreting the "Sunset Boulevard" star's remark as a show of support for Trump.
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"People are calling for her to not be nominated for a Tony. This has gotten out of control," said co-host Sara Haines, while Sunny Hostin added, "This is just ridiculous."
Scherzinger reportedly addressed the controversy in a post on her Instagram Stories Friday, according to Variety and Entertainment Weekly. The former Pussycat Dolls singer apologized for "the hurt caused by my recent engagement with some social media posts."
"When I commented on these posts, I made the mistake of not realizing that they could be easily interpreted as being politically related and I apologize to anyone who understandably reached that conclusion," Scherzinger wrote, per the outlets.
During Monday's segment, Navarro said Scherzinger "shouldn't have apologized" for her online engagement, adding, "Don't go on social media if you can't take the heat because people are crazy."
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Nicole Scherzinger says social media backlash doesn't 'reflect who I am'
In her Friday apology, Scherzinger clarified that she "believed that the posts I engaged with were about encouraging people to choose love and faith — 'putting Jesus first.' For me Christ embodies peace, compassion, hope, and above all — unconditional love, especially for those who may feel it the least right now."
"Many presumptions are being drawn, which do not reflect who I am, what I stand for, or who I voted for," Scherzinger wrote, according to Variety and Entertainment Weekly. "Many of the marginalized communities feeling hurt and concerned by the results of the presidential election are people I care about most. I stand with them, as I always have, throughout my life and career."
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Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election has triggered a wave of concerns among disaffected voters, including some women and members of the transgender community, due to the president's stance on issues such as abortion access and trans rights.
Scherzinger reportedly concluded her statement by saying she "will always support values that bring us closer together."
"I come from a place of love," Scherzinger said. "It's so important we come together with compassion, and love one another more now than ever."