Sheryl Underwood Apologizes For Saying 'Nappy Hair Is Nasty'

Sheryl Underwood apologized for an offhand comment she made while co-hosting The Talk, in which she called natural Afro hair “nasty.”

Underwood, a comedian, actress and regular co-host of CBS’ The Talk was commenting on a story about supermodel Heidi Klum. Klum was quoted as saying that she keeps her children’s hair after each haircut, specifically mentioning the “Afro” hair of her children with ex-husband Seal. Underwood joked about why Klum would want the hair in the first place – negatively comparing “nappy” hair to the hair of the child of (white) co-host Sara Gilbert.

Underwood’s comments caused a firestorm on the internet, with many accusing Underwood of self-hatred and hating black women. Following the comments, which aired on a special Aug. 31 episode of The Talk, Underwood has personally responded to critics on Twitter.

Underwood engaged many of her critics via the social networking site over the past few days, finally expressing her frustration at being "crucified" for her mistake.

“I am not perfect I hear what you say…hopefully in your perfect life no one records & crucifies you for anything you say,” tweeted Underwood.

As Underwood continues to engage with critics and defend herself on Twitter, she released an official apology on Sept. 3 when she appeared on the Steve Harvey Morning Show.

“I want to apologize for my recent attempt at a humor that missed the target and hit my people squarely in the heart. To all of you I say I’m very sorry for my failed attempt at humor surrounding something that’s very sensitive for us, which is our hair. I could use this time to try to explain the intent of what I said, but misunderstanding aside, the way the joke came out offended my people and my community, which was not my intent,” she explained.

Underwood has gone on to explain what she meant when she said “nappy hair is nasty.” She insists that she was speaking about the act of saving hair. Though, she admits that her choice of words and attempt at making a joke was misguided.

“A bad juxtaposition of words to imply that our hair is not good. I made a mistake. I will own up to that mistake. I’m going to talk to God and change the way I articulate things and be more cognizant,” Underwood told Hello Beautiful.

Underwood also insisted that she has nothing but love for her natural hair.

“I’m not what you think I am. I am not ashamed of my Blackness or who I am. In high school I had a giant afro, in college I was militant. I loved my afro puff. My dad instilled Black pride in me. I have no hair shame whatsoever,” Underwood stated.

– Olivia Truffaut-Wong

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