Singer Erykah Badu has published a grovelling apology to Barack and Michelle Obama after sharing footage from the former US president’s 60th birthday bash.
The Grammy Award winner begged for the former first family’s forgiveness for being a “terrible guest” after she posted recordings of the star-studded Martha’s Vineyard event, despite all invitees being instructed not to.
After uploading a video of the August 7 gathering to Instagram, Badu tweeted to her 2.7 million followers: “Mr. And Mrs. Obama, Please forgive me [for] being the ‘terrible guest’ at such a sacred event for your family.”
WATCH: President Obama and his celebrity guests having a great time partying maskless. pic.twitter.com/KWT7WCDl3z
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) August 8, 2021
In response to Badu’s public apology, some people were convinced that the Obamas themselves demanded the singer to take her posts down – but she insisted in a follow-up tweet that was not the case.
One commentator wrote: “ They made you take down the video and apologize publicly, lol”
To which Badu replied: “ Naw sis. It’s just right thing.”
Naw sis. It’s just right thing , https://t.co/joDoJ9HPUJ
— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) August 13, 2021
Footage shot by the 50-year-old showed birthday boy Obama partying mask-free with hundreds of attendees.
The clips from the luau-themed festivities have since been deleted by Badu – but not before she suffered a backlash from viwers accusing her of showing off, while condemning the Obamas for hosting the lavish affair.
I am an Erykah Badu fan but why are you filming the Obamas at their private party without permission on your cellphone. She will DEFINITELY not be invited to any future Obama birthday parties! pic.twitter.com/80LyRppuuQ
— Aaron G (@aarong3000) August 8, 2021
these celebs/politicians are like, mask for thee but not for ME !
— nikki (@ateenyalien) August 8, 2021
🤪 🤪 🤪 https://t.co/YUg0PbarMq
An event at their PRIVATE residence and for which they specifically asked guests to not release video. Not only was it disrespectful to disregard the request of your HOSTS, it was a massive SECURITY concern. Do y'all not understand the level of HATE for this family that exists?
— Rosie (@RoseRiv62311575) August 13, 2021
HYPOCRITE. Disgusting display! https://t.co/HsA5AimnCh
— PROUD AMERICAN (@xnyerinnc) August 8, 2021
Donald Trump Jr was among the critics, slating the “sheer hypocrisy surrounding this whole event.”
Beyond the sheer hypocrisy surrounding this whole event... I'm just waiting for this person to scream
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 9, 2021
"I'm Rick James bitch" https://t.co/gU0KFXh1Wn
Meanwhile, after seeing Badu’s footage – which suggested an absence of mask wearing and social distancing at the shindig – the hashtag “#ObamaVariant” began trending on Twitter.
Where is Barack Hussein Obama's mask?!#ObamaVariant pic.twitter.com/l1chZlp3HD
— Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) August 8, 2021
#ObamaVariant
— Vic Nik (@Vics_Specter) August 8, 2021
Every American, no matter party, should be outraged at this “let them eat cake” moment, but instead, their simpleminded sycophants justify the blatant hypocrisy. https://t.co/OvG4QUW7R9
No mask, #ObamaVariant
— Spread Positive Energy🧘🏾♂️ (@KingMarcuz45) August 9, 2021
Am starting to doubt this #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/0L7zdTYerK
Badu wasn’t the only star to attended the high profile party, with A-listers such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Tom Hanks, John Legend and Alicia Keys all making the exclusive guest list.
However, Obama had to “scale back” his original plans and his invite list from 500 to 200 guests as cases of the Delta variant have been rising rapidly across the country.
At least 74 people have tested positive for Covid on Martha’s Vineyard since the event, according to the Daily Mail – the biggest increase in cases on the island since April.
