Kanye apologizes for "Black people love chicken" remark amid racism controversy

"I apologize to those who were hurt.""I did not intend to perpetuate American racial stereotypes"... Also explains 'soul food' captionKany, a choreographer and media personality who gained recognition in Korea through his appearance on MBC's "I Live Alone," has apologized for controversial remarks that sparked accusations of racism. /Kany's SNS[THE FACT|Reporter Kim Saet-byeol] Kany, a choreographer and media personality from France, has apologized after his remarks in a YouTube video led to controversy over alleged racism.On the 10th, Kany posted a lengthy apology in English on his social media (SNS), stating, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt or offended by my words."The controversy began with a video released on Kany's YouTube channel on the 4th. At the time, Kany said, "Black people love watermelon, chicken, and Fanta," drawing criticism for perpetuating racist stereotypes.In response, Kany explained, "I made an impromptu joke mentioning watermelon, chicken, and Fanta in the video." He added, "I understand that watermelon and fried chicken, in particular, have a painful history of racial stereotypes in the United States." He continued, "I sincerely regret that my words may have hurt someone."He also mentioned his cultural background. Kany, a Black man of Senegalese descent born and raised in France, stated, "The culture I experienced is not necessarily the same as the culture experienced by Black people in America." He explained that in Senegal, watermelon is a commonly enjoyed fruit, chicken is a familiar ingredient, and Fanta is a common drink in African households.Kany said, "The joke at the time was based on cultural elements familiar to me, and I did not consciously intend to refer to American racial stereotypes."He also clarified the use of the term 'soul food' in the video. He stated that the phrase was not something he said during filming but was added as a caption during the editing process. The scene that caused the controversy has since been removed from the original video.Meanwhile, Kany is a choreographer and dancer from France who married his Korean husband in 2022. He is also known as a choreographer for pop star Beyoncé and gained recognition in Korea by appearing on MBC's "I Live Alone" as a close friend of SHINee.sstar1204@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Desk | ssent@tf.co.kr]