Jess Glynne Issues an Apology After Using Transphobic Slur

Popstar Jess Glynne is issuing a social media apology after publicly using a transphobic slur. 

During a recent appearance on The Mo Gilligan Podcast last week, the British singer-songwriter (who is probably best known as the featured vocalist on Clean Bandit's 2014 hit "Rather Be") was reminiscing about going out clubbing with friends when she can be heard using the notoriously anti-trans t-word slur.

Rightfully so, the 31-year-old songstress immediately received backlash from the LGBTQ+ for so casually throwing-out such a harmful and ugly word that has been used to degrade and oppress trans people for decades. 

And now, she's offering a lengthy social media apology for her actions. 

"I want to address my appearance on @mothecomedian's podcast, when a story I told caused massive and righteous offence. First, I want to say that I am wholeheartedly sorry," Glynne wrote in a lengthy statement posted on her Instagram. "I know that in this case, sorry is not nearly enough, throughout my life I have made a lot of mistakes and what I have come to know is that the only benefit to making one is to learn from it."

Speaking about how she is trying to educate herself on the history and implications of the slur, she continued: 

"The language I used on the podcast was unacceptable, as someone that has always been immersed in the LGBTQ+ community, I have witnessed first hand the progress that has been made when it comes to language, I am ashamed that I was unaware of the potency of the T-slur until now. I have been fortunate enough and privileged enough to spend time today talking to the transgender model and activist @danistjames who has educated me about the power of that word and how it has been historically used as a weapon against so many. It is often the last word someone hears before they are brutally attacked or even murdered, similar to the anti-gay F-slur, the T-slur is commonly used to humiliate and degrade transgender individuals. Murders and attacks are commonplace in this community and safe environments are paramount. I now understand how insulting it was to see a clip of me and @mothecomedian laughing at a story which I should have known better than to tell and casually, thoughtlessly using a word that is a dehumanising, dangerous slur to so many."

Glynne concluded her apology by shouting out organizations that benefit and help educate others on the behalf of the trans community, including London Trans Pride, Not a Phase, and the Black Trans Foundation.