Vanessa Hudgens has been accused of making ‘heartless’, ‘insensitive’ and ‘selfish’ remarks about the deadly coronavirus outbreak gripping the nation.
The High School Musical actress, 31, took to Instagram Live on Monday to share her views on the spiraling pandemic.
A clip from the livestream quickly went viral on Twitter as fans called her out over her cavalier comments.
‘Ummm, yeah, ’til July sounds like a bunch of bulls***,’ she said in reference to the potential quarantine timeline.
‘I’m sorry – but like, it’s a virus, I get it, I respect it. But at the same time – even if everybody gets it… yeah, people are going to die, which is terrible, but like….inevitable?’
‘I don’t know, maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now,’ she added.
Vanessa Hudgens has been accused of making ‘heartless’, ‘insensitive’ and ‘selfish’ remarks about the deadly coronavirus outbreak gripping the nation in an Instagram Live video Monday
Later in the livestream, Hudgens said: ‘Wish I brought my drink up,’ before taking a swig from a portable mug and singing: ‘Sippin’ on gin and juice.’
Leading social media outrage over the clip was journalist Yashar Ali, who wrote: ‘What a horrible and heartless message for you to share with the younger people who look up to you.’
Another user wrote: ‘People do die, but wouldn’t you rather do your part than to risk being a factor in another’s misfortune?’
‘The selfishness of these kids is infuriating. Some of us have loved ones who are extremely vulnerable,’ someone else added.
‘Her manager must be fuming right now,’ yet another critic quipped.
A clip from Hudgens’ livestream quickly went viral on Twitter as critics – including journalist Yashar Ali – called her out over her cavalier comments
Some fans came to Hudgens’ defense, saying that her comments were valid.
‘She didn’t lie tho y’all wanna protect old people we get it but these 70-80-90 year olds have already lived a long life,’ one fan wrote.
‘She wrong though?’ another asked.
Hudgens responded to the backlash herself on Tuesday in another video, saying that her remarks had been ‘taken out of context’.
‘It’s a crazy time. It’s a crazy, crazy time. I am at home, in lockdown, and that’s what I hope you guys are doing too. In full quarantine, staying safe and sane,’ she said.
‘I dont take this situation lightly, by any means. I am home.’
‘So stay inside,’ she added.
She also posted the following statement on Twitter: ‘Hey guys. I’m so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram Live yesterday. I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now. This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever. I am sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.’
DailyMail.com has reached out to reps for Hudgens for comment.
Hudgens responded to the backlash on Tuesday and said her remarks were ‘taken out of context’. ‘I dont take this situation lightly, by any means,’ she insisted
Ali was not impressed by Hudgens’ explanation video
Hudgens also posted the statement above on Twitter Tuesday
Nearly 6,000 Americans have tested positive for coronavirus and 100 have died as of Tuesday
As of Tuesday, nearly 6,000 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the US and 100 people have died.
Health officials have urged the public to stay home as much as possible in an effort to slow the spread of the outbreak – prompting officials in 11 states to limit all bars and restaurants to takeout service only.
In California, where Hudgens lives and at least 589 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus, Governor Gavin Newsom recently advised all bars to shut and asked all restaurants to cut their occupancy in half.
President Donald Trump and other government officials have warned that the US will continue to see a rapid rise in cases for several months, meaning containment measures are likely to remain in place.
Eleven states have implemented strict coronavirus containment measures this week
In California, where Hudgens lives and at least 589 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus, Governor Gavin Newsom recently advised all bars to shut and asked all restaurants to cut their occupancy in half. Hudgens posted this Instagram photo on Tuesday