Kelly Clarkston is a supporter of Ron Paul, and the singer let it be known on her Facebook page last night. But while endorsing the Republican presidential hopeful, her seemingly harmless comments sparked a wave of criticism from her fans, some of who accused Paul of racism and homophobia.
Clarkston posted, “I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last republican nomination and no one gave him a chance,” Kelly posted last night. “If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he’s got my vote. Too bad he probably won’t.”
In response to her post one fan wrote, “Really Kelly? Have you heard what he thinks about gay people? Who are a big part of your fan base?”
“Please tell me you were hacked… You can’t be a Republican!,” another wrote.
Overall, her post was met by over 1500 responses, some positive, a lot more negative, which prompted Clarkston to post another Facebook status.
She wrote:
“I am really sorry if I have offended anyone. Obviously that was not my intent. I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women’s rights, men’s rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he’s my favorite.”
That post received over 1600 comments of the same tone.
Finally Clarkston updated her status on last time on the subject wrtiting, “Man my eyes have been opened to so much hate tonight. If y’all ever disagree with something I say please don’t feel the need to attack me. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. Being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you. I was raised to respect people and their decisions and beliefs and I hope you will gran… ”
Do you think Kelly was wrong for openly endorsing the political candidate of her choice, or should celebrities stay neutral?
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