Legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder has issued an apology for comments he made about the sexual orientation of R&B newcomer Frank Ocean, who revealed that his first love was a man in July.
“I’m sorry that my words about anyone feeling confused about their love were misunderstood,” Wonder said in a statement to The Advocate.
Wonder was referring to remarks he made in an interview with The Guardian, where he complimented Ocean’s music but said “some people who think they’re gay, they’re confused.”
“People can misconstrue closeness for love. People can feel connected, they bond. I’m not saying all [gay people are confused]. Some people have a desire to be with the same sex. But that’s them,” he said.
The 62-year-old mogul soon issued an apology saying, “No one has been a greater advocate for the power of love in this world than I; both in my life and in my music. Clearly, love is love, between a man and a woman, a woman and a man, a woman and a woman and a man and a man. What I’m not confused about is the world needing much more love, no hate, no prejudice, no bigotry and more unity, peace and understanding. Period.”
Frank Ocean’s debut album, Channel Orange, drew many comparisons to Stevie Wonder’s artistry, and according to reports, Wonder sang the hook of “No Church in the Wild” to Ocean when they met backstage at a concert.