Damon Wayans Jr. is apologizing for anti-LGBTQ+ tweets he wrote years ago that have resurfaced.
The actor told Deadline in a statement that he made “some immature and hurtful” decisions a decade ago when he decided to use homophobic language in his tweets.
In the now-deleted tweets, Wayans clapped back at someone by calling them a “tranny b****.” He also appeared to use the word “tranny” quite liberally, as well as the derogatory term “fag.”
“When I was a young comic trying to find my voice, I made some immature and hurtful tweets that I deeply regret at the expense of the LGBTQ community,” Wayans Jr. said in a statement. “When I tweeted those comments, almost 10 years ago, I was unaware of the emotional impact they could have. I am not excusing that behavior but that is not who I am today. Society evolved and so have I and it is something I will continue to do both personally and professionally.”
His apology came soon after it was announced that he would be the executive producer of the new CW show Glamorous, which focuses on a gender non-conforming YouTuber.
But Wayans has been quick to apologize and acknowledge wrongdoing.
“Continued learning, acceptance and thoughtful words are all important actions that will help make society a kinder and safer place for all people. You know better, you do better,” Wayans added in his statement.
It is hard to not compare this incident to a similar one that Kevin Hart faced in January, in which Hart’s actions following newly resurfaced homophobic tweets cost him his Oscar hosting gig.