Kelly Dodd has expressed regret months after she was at the center of controversy for making insensitive comments about the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 45-year-old reality star appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Wednesday night as she touched on the subject as cases for the virus have continued to surge throughout the US.
Back in April, Dodd called the outbreak ‘God’s way of thinning the herd’ in since deleted Instagram Stories.
Too late to apologize? Kelly Dodd appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Wednesday night as she touched on the controversy she was in for making insensitive comments about the COVID-19 pandemic back in April
Threesome: She was joined on the program by Whitney Rose
She was pressed by the 52-year-old host if she regrets what she said to which Kelly replied: ‘Of course I regret saying that.
‘It was a stupid thing for me to say. It was insensitive and I apologize if I hurt or offended anybody cause that wasn’t really my intention. I got freaked out about it and, in hindsight, it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever said.’
She issued an apology at the time but then weeks later in May, she bragged that she and her family weren’t wearing masks when they went to a restaurant while also claiming that ‘no one is dying’ in Orange County.
Ouch: She was pressed by the 52-year-old host if she regrets what she said to which Kelly replied: ‘Of course I regret saying that’
She said: ‘It was a stupid thing for me to say. It was insensitive and I apologize if I hurt or offended anybody cause that wasn’t really my intention. I got freaked out about it and, in hindsight, it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever said’
Cohen went on to ask her if she believes people should be wearing masks especially after her mom contracted COVID-19 and was in the ICU last month.
Dodd said: ‘Well at first I was misinformed. You guys have to realize this was, like back in January when this happened. I was misinformed.
‘I didn’t realize not wearing a mask — I hate it. I’m claustrophobic. I can’t stand wearing a mask and now I understand the science behind it and I’m ready, willing and able to wear a mask and I know that it’s important.’
Uh oh: She issued an apology at the time but then weeks later in May, she bragged that she and her family weren’t wearing masks when they went to a restaurant while also claiming that ‘no one is dying’ in Orange County
Taking a stand: Cohen went on to ask her if she believes people should be wearing masks especially after her mom contracted COVID-19 and was in the ICU last month
Excuse: Dodd said: ‘Well at first I was misinformed. You guys have to realize this was, like back in January when this happened. I was misinformed’
This comes amid reports that the US has reported its highest ever daily COVID-19 death toll with 117 Americans dying every hour in the past day – as an analysis of CDC data shows total fatalities could be as high as 345,000.
There were 2,804 deaths recorded yesterday, which is up considerably from the previous record of 2,603 reported back on April 15 during the initial peak of the pandemic.
Back when she sparked controversy in April, the reality star was responding to critics who asked why she was flying from New York to LA at such a time after she posted photos from the empty airport and plane.
Yikes: Back in April, Dodd called the outbreak ‘God’s way of thinning the herd’ in since deleted Instagram Stories
‘If it’s dangerous why are the airlines still flying? You think I want to fly? I had to get back, how is that elitist?’ Kelly snapped back.
In a separate comment the TV star then claimed the people who have fallen victim to COVID-19 ‘would have died this year they were compromised,’
‘Do you know how many people died from the H1N1, the swine flu or SARS?’ she wrote. ‘It’s 25% get your facts straight you only hearing numbers not the reality! It’s God’s way of thinning the herd!’
‘God’s way’: The Bravo star was responding to critics who questioned why she got a flight from New York to LA during the pandemic
Fake news: The TV star then claimed that the people who have fallen victim to COVID-19 ‘would have died this year’ because they were ‘compromised,’
Viral on Reddit: Kelly had a response for many of her followers who were angered at her comments and actions
She finished the comment with some ‘common sense’ ways vulnerable people can protect themselves.
‘If you are vulnerable or compromised, stay inside. If you don’t protect others by wearing masks and gloves keep your distance and don’t go out if you are ill,’ she ranted. ‘It’s common sense!’
Realizing how controversial her words were, Kelly later apologized In a selfie video, claiming her words were taken the wrong way.
‘I want to give a public apology. When I wrote this is ‘God’s way of thinning the herd,’ that’s not what I meant,’ she said.
‘I want to give a public apology. When I wrote this is ‘God’s way of thinning the herd,’ that’s not what I meant,’ Kelly said in her apology video later in the day
‘What I meant was, do these pandemics happen because it’s God’s way? I’m not God, I’m not insensitive. I feel bad for all the families who have lost loved ones.’ she tried to explain
Backtracking: ‘I want to apologize to anybody who got offended. I’m sorry.’
‘What I meant was, do these pandemics happen because it’s God’s way? I’m not God, I’m not insensitive. I feel bad for all the families who have lost loved ones. And I do think we should all stay home and protect everybody. That’s not what I meant, and I want to apologize to anybody who got offended. I’m sorry.’
At the time, the Bravo star had shared a video of her at the doctor’s office while getting tested for coronavirus.
Kelly winced as the doctor pushed a swab high up into her nasal cavity.
‘Getting my covid test!! That hurt’ she captioned the clip as she pulled faces at the camera.
Painful: On Monday the RHOC was filmed having the coronavirus test done despite having no symptoms
Ouch: Kelly winced as the doctor pushed a swab high up into her nasal cavity
Precaution: Kelly decided to get the test after flying back from New York to her home in Orange County, California
The move angered her Kelly’s fans who questioned how she could get tested without exhibiting any symptoms of the disease – and many people who are very sick are still having trouble getting tested.
One Instagram user asked: ‘How did you get tested? People who have symptoms can’t get a test [crying emoji].’
‘You can get tested if you know people!’ Kelly responded.
She knows people! Kelly explained she was able to get a coronavirus test because of her connections