Lil B Says He’s “Transphobic” And “Needs Help” After Rapper Tweets Offensive Joke

by Olivia Truffaut-WongJuly 29, 2015, 7:32 pmNews, News Feed >

Lil B admitted to be “transphobic” and asked for help after tweeting a joke about being transgender.

Lil B Apologizes After “Transphobic” Tweet

On Monday, July 27, Lil B tweeted what he apparently thought was a harmless joke: “I might start saying I’m trans and I’m a woman so I can be in the girls Locker room with the ladies !!!!!! No homo I’m still growin – Lil B [sic].

The tweet did not go over well, and the citizens of Twitter were quick to call out the 25-year-old rapper. About three hours after his original tweet, Lil B apologized, writing, “Ok well I already got enough backlash so I feel bad now and I apologize to all humans and I see that everyone goes thru struggles – Lil B”

Lil B even retweeted a few of the critical message he had received. But despite his attempted remorse, Lil B also continued to retweet supporters, including one Twitter user, @jamesl1221, who wrote that he thought Lil B’s tweet was “genius.”

Critics continued to push Lil B and, 20 minutes after his initial apology, Lil B returned to Twitter to expand on his thoughts in an attempt to reach out to the LGBT community. “I got love for the gays! I got love for humans I want to attract more good people and women that love me! Not men turned women 🙁 – Lil B.”

This tweet was a nice try, but the sentiments expressed are still problematic. As the conversation continued between Lil B and his fans, it seems that the young rapper quickly realized his mistake. Critics didn’t want him to apologize for making a joke; they wanted him to apologize for being derogatory about the transgender community. Lil B admitted he was “still growing” and confessed he wasn’t educated on transgender issues or the transgender experience.

Lil B: “I Am Transphobic And I Need Help To Learn To Accept”

Lil B finally reached out to his Twitter following for help. “I am transphobic and I need help to learn to accept,” Lil B stated. “I’m scared because I’m not comfortable with my self I love u I love born girls – Lil B.”

Lil B added that his previous tweets and actions show “how immature and still insensitive” he is and apologized to the trans community.

This isn’t the first time Lil B has offended members of the LGBT community. In 2011, he received death threats after announcing his album title would be I’m Gay, despite his status as a heterosexual male. While he intended it as a message of support for the gay community, many didn’t see it that way.

“I’m very gay, but I love women. I’m not attracted to men in any way. I’ve never been attracted to a man in my life. But yes I am gay, I’m so happy. I’m a gay, heterosexual male. I got major love for the gay and lesbian community, and I just want to push less separation and that’s why I’m doing it,” Lil B said at the time.

Lil B, who explained he wanted to re-appropriate the word, ended up titling his album I’m Gay (I’m Happy).

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.