Ne-Yo has found himself in hot water after controversial remarks about parenting and gender identity. In a recent interview with Gloria Velez for Vlad TV, the Grammy-winning singer expressed his opinion on parents encouraging their children to identify as the opposite gender. 

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Ne-Yo is facing backlash following contentious statements on parenting and gender identity in a recent interview with Gloria Velez for Vlad TV. The “So Sick” singer shared his firm views on parents supporting their children’s identification as a different gender. 

Ne-Yo stated:

“I just personally come from an era where a man was a man and a woman was a woman.” He continued,  “And there was two genders, and that’s just how I rocked. You could identify as a goldfish if you feel like, I don’t care. That ain’t my business. It becomes my business when you try to make me play the game with you. I’m not gonna call you a goldfish. But if you wanna be a goldfish, you go be a goldfish. We live in a weird time, man. We do.”

The 43-year-old singer continued his thought by saying:

“I feel like parents have almost forgotten what the role of a parent is. If your little boy comes to you and says, ‘Daddy, I want to be a girl.’ And you just let him rock with that? He’s 5 … If you let this 5-year-old boy decide to eat candy all day, he’s gonna do that. When did it become a good idea to let a 5-year-old, let a 6-year-old, let a 12-year-old make a life-changing decision for themself? When did that happen? I don’t understand. He can’t drive a car yet, but he can decide his sex?”

After the interview video surfaced, Ne-Yo faced criticism for his comments, with many accusing him of being insensitive and ignorant. However, the singer took to Instagram to clarify his stance, emphasizing that he does not condemn anyone and recognizes that everyone has the right to choose. He stated:

“1st and foremost, I CONDEMN NO ONE. Who am I to condemn anybody? Your life, your kids, your choice. I was asked a question and I answered it. My opinion is mine. I’m not asking anybody to agree with me nor am I telling you what you can and cannot do with your children. I stated my opinion on a matter and that’s that. ” 

Fans have backed Ne-Yo up with support of his opinion. One user commented and said, “ Thank you!!!! You are like the first celebrity to ever not bow down to this BS social media bullying! You said what you said! Nothing you said was hateful and if people don’t like it then don’t follow! It’s simple. You have the right to express YOUR opinions on YOUR social media platform. Period. Again..THANK YOU!”  

Ex-wife of Peter Gunz, Amina Buddafly, commented in solidarity and support and saying, “ Yeap nothing else needs to be said, u said your truth perfectly. The end. Everyone is entitled.”

Despite his attempt to address the controversy, Ne-Yo eventually issued a public apology on Twitter. He regretted any hurt his comments may have caused, admitting that he now understands how they could be interpreted as insensitive and offensive.

“After much reflection, I’d like to express my deepest apologies to anyone that I may have hurt with my comments on parenting and gender identity. I’ve always been an advocate for love and inclusivity in the LGBTQI+ community, so I understand how my comments could’ve been interpreted as insensitive and offensive. Gender identity is nuanced and I can honestly admit that I plan to better educate myself on the topic, so I can approach future conversations with more empathy.” 

This incident comes on the heels of other personal challenges for Ne-Yo this year. In June 2023, he and his ex-wife, Crystal Renee Smith, were hit with a $3 million tax lien, adding to their already existing legal battles. 

Additionally, in February 2023, the couple finalized their divorce amid allegations of Ne-Yo fathering a child with another woman while still married.

Similarly, in February 2023, Louisiana rapper Boosie also did an interview with DJ Vlad, where he shared his opinion on his disagreement with his daughter coming out as gay, after publicly sharing she had a girlfriend on radio station 97.9 The Box.