Vanessa Hudgens Responds to Backlash Over Insensitive Coronavirus Comments

Vanessa Hudgens told her Instagram followers on Monday that the recent remarks she made about the coronavirus death toll were "taken out of context."

By McKenna Aiello Mar 17, 2020 9:42 PMTags

Here's your reality check, Vanessa Hudgens

The former Disney Channel darling is apologizing for her recent comments about the coronavirus pandemic, in which she described the growing death toll as "inevitable." 

"I'm so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram live yesterday," Hudgens wrote on Twitter. "I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now. 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."

Vanessa also posted a video on Instagram, which you can watch above, further reacting to the backlash. 

"I realized today that some of my comments are being taken out of context," the 31-year-old said. "Um, It's a crazy time. It's a crazy, crazy time. And I am at home in lockdown and that's what I hope you guys are doing, too. In full quarantine and staying safe and sane. I don't take this situation lightly by any means."

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Celebs Giving Back Throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic

So what did the High School Musical star say to ruffle so many of the internet's proverbial feathers? 

Watch: Vanessa Hudgens Apologizes for Insensitive Coronavirus Comments

While chatting with fans on Instagram Live, Vanessa told them, "...'Till July sounds like a bunch of bulls--t. I'm sorry, but like it's a virus. I get it. I respect it. But at the same time, even if everybody gets it, like, yeah, people are gonna die, which is terrible but inevitable. I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't be doing this right now."

Vanessa also expressed her disappointment in not being able to go out for St. Patrick's Day, saying in a separate video, "...I wish were in a pub! But we're not, because lockdown."

Just days ago, Vanessa announced her pledge to Feeding America, a food bank network helping those impacted by COVID-19. 

"Let's help each other out rather than freaking the f--k out," she wrote on Instagram at the time.

Since then, she's made an effort to encourage her fans to stay positive. "All we can all do is be present and try to lift our heads up," she wrote to one. "Sending you so much love. I Can't thank you enough for having my back. it means the world. Sorry to get in the mess to begin with."