Ne-Yo clarified his stance on parenting transgender kids on Monday (August 7). The singer spoke out after seemingly suggesting a publicist misrepresented his true feelings on the subject.

“This s### is getting out of hand,” he wrote on Instagram. “FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH. I WILL NOT BE BULLIED INTO APOLOGIZING FOR HAVING AN OPINION. AGREEING TO DISAGREE IS NOT A DECLARATION OF WAR.”

Ne-Yo generated controversy after criticizing parents for encouraging kids who question their gender identity. An apology was issued on Sunday (August 6).

A day later, Ne-Yo posted a video to explain his actual thoughts on the matter. He wanted people to hear from him directly instead of hearing from “the publicist’s computer.”

The 43-year-old artist did not approve of allowing kids to reject the gender of their birth. Ne-Yo declared he “will never be OK with allowing a child to make a decision that detrimental to their life.” The singer said he going to educate himself on the subject but doubted anything will change his mind.

“If one of my 7 kids were to decide that he or she wanted to be something other than what they were born as, once they’re old enough and mature enough to make that decision…so be it,” he wrote. “Not gonna love em’ any less. Daddy is still Daddy and he loves you regardless. But this isn’t even a discussion until they are MENTALLY MATURE ENOUGH to have such a discussion.”

Check out everything Ne-Yo had to say below.

​​​Ne-Yo has issued a statement apologizing for his recent remarks about parenting and gender identity, admitting he needs better education on the topic of transgender children.  

The “She Knows” singer received a mixed response to an interview that aired over the weekend where he questioned parents who allow their kids to transition genders. He took to social media with a lengthy apology Sunday night (August 6). 

“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,” Ne-Yo began.” 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.” 

He added: “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. At the end of the day, I lead with love and support everyone’s freedom of expression and pursuit of happiness.” 

Read his post below. 

Ne-Yo Questions Parents Who Allow Their Kids To Transition Genders

In an interview with Gloria Velez aired Saturday (August 5), Ne-Yo said he comes from a time “where a man was a man and a woman was a woman,” adding, “there was two genders.” 

The father of seven continued, “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.” 

Ne-Yo also said, “I feel like parents have almost forgotten what the role of a parent is,” questioning why a parent would listen to a young child’s expression of gender identity.  

“If you let this 5-year-old boy decide to eat candy all day, he’s gonna do that,” he declared. 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.”