Canadian singer Shania Twain came under fire this week after praising President Trump’s honesty and straightforward approach to politics during an interview published by The Guardian.
“I would have voted for him because, even though he was offensive, he seemed honest,” she said. “Do you want straight or polite? Not that you shouldn’t be able to have both. If I were voting, I just don’t want bulls–t. I would have voted for a feeling that it was transparent. And politics has a reputation of not being that, right?”
Twain was immediately attacked for having the audacity to say that she would have voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
#ShaniaTwainCancelled if you think Trump is honest, it’s no wonder it took you many many years to figure out your husband was cheating on you with your best friend.
— jonalisa (@jonalisag) April 22, 2018
Shania Twain is a Trump supporter… I'm devastated.
Right after her appearance on Drag Race too, now we know why she looked so disgusted all the time. Thought it was just her reserved personality #shaniatwaincancelled— #StreamNoTearsLeftToCry (@perryduff285) April 22, 2018
Shania Twain said that she would have voted for Donald Trump 'even though he was offensive.'
This woman, and those that voted for @realDonaldTrump have clearly lowered the bar in our society. Way to go Shania!— Voice of Reason (@raggapegs) April 23, 2018
She has since issued a four-part apology on Twitter.
I would like to apologise to anybody I have offended in a recent interview with the Guardian relating to the American President. The question caught me off guard. As a Canadian, I regret answering this unexpected question without giving my response more context (1/4)
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) April 22, 2018
I was trying to explain, in response to a question about the election, that my limited understanding was that the President talked to a portion of America like an accessible person they could relate to, as he was NOT a politician (3/4)
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) April 22, 2018
My answer was awkward, but certainly should not be taken as representative of my values nor does it mean I endorse him. I make music to bring people together. My path will always be one of inclusivity, as my history shows. (4/4)
— Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) April 22, 2018
The treatment of Shania Twain is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. If we want to welcome all viewpoints and #ChampionWomen, we cannot allow this kind of harassment to go unaddressed.
Rather than shaming a woman for merely expressing her opinion, the President’s opponents can respectfully voice their disagreements. It’s imperative that we treat all women with civility and respect, no matter what their political views are.