Miley Cyrus and (inset) DaBaby (Photos; YouTube)
Miley Cyrus said she would like to speak with DaBaby and see what he and she can learn from each other. In an Instagram post last night, the ‘Wrecking Ball’ singer suggested that it can be easy and tempting to ‘undo’ someone without trying to educate or change hearts and minds first.
“As a proud and loyal member of the LGBTQIA + community, much of my life has been devoted to fostering love, acceptance and openness,” she said in a post.
“The internet can fuel a lot of hate and anger and is the core of the cancellation culture,” Cyrus wrote, “but I believe it can also be a place filled with education, conversation, communication and connection. .
“It’s easier to cancel someone than to find forgiveness and compassion in ourselves or take the time to change hearts and minds. There is no more room for division if we want to continue to progress! Knowledge is power! I know I still have so much to learn!
In a caption accompanying her post, Cyrus made it clear that she was targeting DaBaby.
“@DaBaby is checking your DMS – would love to speak up and see how we can learn from each other and help be part of a fairer and more understanding future! For more information, @greaterthanaids is a great resource! @ happyhippiefdn ”
DaBaby has had a huge backlash since appearing at the Miami Rolling Loud Festival on Sunday, July 25. During his performance, the rapper invited part of the audience to hold their cell phone lights up: ”If you didn’t show up today with HIV, AIDS or any of these deadly sexually transmitted diseases, it will make you die in two to three weeks, so turn on your cell phone! Ladies, if your bitch smells of water, light your cell phone lighter! Guys, if you’re not sucking cock in the parking lot, turn on your cell phone! “
His comments were condemned by Dua Lipa (with whom he had recently worked), Madonna and Elton John, and advocacy groups like GLAAD, among others. He also lost a business deal with online clothing company BoohooMan.
He tried to half-apologize a few days later, saying he didn’t mean LGBTQ people any harm. He also said he had gay fans, but they weren’t the type with AIDS. Unsurprisingly, this only made matters worse, as did the release of a video for a new track a few days later, again referencing AIDS.
Related: DaBaby Releases New Clip With More AIDS References
Last weekend he was banned from several major music festivals, including Lollapalooza, Governors Ball and Austin City Limits. Further festival cancellations are likely. Two days ago, DaBaby finally issued a fuller apology, saying he wanted to grow up, educate himself, and learn from his mistakes.
“I want to apologize to the LGBTQ community for the hurtful and triggering comments I made. Once again, I apologize for the misinformed comments I have made about HIV / AIDS and I know education about it is important.
The response to Cyrus’ invitation to speak has been mixed. On the bright side, Drag Race alumna Gia Gunn commented: “I see you Miley… love conquers everything🤍”, while Bianca Del Rio released a series of love hearts.
Trinity K Bonet replied, “I should probably be at this table talking with all of you… you know to establish the day to day facts…. but following your example, Miss Miley .. all help is needed on this subject .. I love you very much❤️ ”
However, others strongly disagreed.
“He is a millionaire who can obviously afford an education if he really wanted to … his hatred and lack of knowledge kill lgbtq + members every day. It is the image he conveys and the image the kids will follow. It is no longer your job as an lgbtq + member to educate him, “was a much appreciated comment from @juhaynadjebara.
Along the same lines, and also garnering thousands of likes, @ alexpc_1 said, “The gag is Miley… he doesn’t care lol he doesn’t want to learn. He continues to post about how indifferent he is. The man is not humble and does not care.
Related: Boosie Badazz Defends DaBaby: “In 10 Years It Won’t Be Right For A Kid To Be Straight.”
Cyrus has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights and in 2015 launched his own Happy Hippie foundation. The foundation focuses on youth homelessness (especially LGBTQ youth), the LGBTQ community and other vulnerable populations.
In another demonstration of sitting down to talk with personalities who have faced similar reactions to homophobia, Cyrus was also among the first guests this week to take part in Kevin Hart’s new talk show (Heart to Hart). The first three episodes aired on Peacock yesterday, with new episodes appearing every Thursday. Cyrus shared a teaser video on his Instagram Stories.
