Canadian country star Chad Brownlee has penned an apology for the apology he made last week after tweeting an image many people viewed as anti-Semitic.
“A sincere apology means owning one’s mistake, not apologizing for how others perceive the mistake,” Brownlee admitted in a tweet on Friday. “I realize that now and I am truly sorry for posting that image. But I know that saying sorry just doesn’t cut it. Not even close.”
On June 2, the 35-year-old B.C. native shared a Photoshopped image of billionaire George Soros looking over a chess board in a game between anti-racism protesters and COVID-19.
“This man plays a massive role in what the media puts out and how protests are televised,” he wrote in a reply to another Twitter user. "Awareness of this power structure is key if we want to start to understand the pieces that are being moved around us.”
The post was later deleted.
Shortly after iHeartRadio.ca first reported on criticism of Brownlee’s tweet, the singer posted an apology.
“I sincerely apologize for sharing an image last night on social media that was wrong, inappropriate and could be perceived as racist," he wrote. "While my intention in posting the image was nothing of the sort, I acknowledge how people could easily have seen it that way.”
Brownlee added: "I abhor racism, certainly including anti-Semitism. Sadly, I didn't spur the conversation I wanted to. My effort was clumsy and wrong-headed. For all those I hurt or offended I am deeply sorry.”
Universal Music Canada, which signed the singer in 2018 and released the EP Back in the Game last year and the album Back in the Game (Deluxe Edition) this past January, quietly dropped Brownlee.
Brownlee did not address the label’s decision in Friday’s statement but called his June 2nd tweet “a life altering mistake” and confessed he “messed up big time.”
He added: “The image I posted is racist and highly offensive. The assertion that Jews ‘control’ global politics is an antisemitic stereotype first used in the 19th century."
The singer said “Jewish allies and colleagues” have educated him about the “painful history of antisemitic tropes” and he has reached out to the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Vancouver. He will also be making a donation to the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre.
Brownlee noted that his tweet was made on “Blackout Tuesday,” when the music industry went silent as a show of support for the Black community.
“I realize that I have a lot to learn about this community and the deeply rooted systemic issues that greatly impact it,” he wrote. “I am committing to connect with, learn about, and help this community.”
Brownlee said he has made donations to a Floyd family fund and to the NAACP.
“I am deeply sorry and apologize with all my heart. I am determined to do whatever I can to learn and grow from this massive wrong and help others along the way if I can.”
— Chad Brownlee (@ChadBrownlee) June 12, 2020