Rapper Lil Mama is clarifying statements she made to a transgendered contestant on the MTV show 'America's Best Dance Crew.' Lil Mama, who is one of three judges on the show, reprimanded transgendered contestant, Leiomy Maldonado of the group Vogue Evolution for her lack of femininity. "Leiomy, your behavior, come on, is unacceptable," she said. "I just feel you always have to remember your truth. You were born a man and you are becoming a woman. If you're going to become a woman, act like a lady, don't be bird like 'Oh my god, I'm not doing this.' It gets too crazy and it gets confusing.
"You're doing this for America. Even though you're the face for transgenders, you're the face of America right now with this group and it's not about anybody else. It's about y'all. You know what I'm saying? So do it for the team. Do it for the team."
Following her statements, the Brooklyn-born rapper sent an apology letter to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). "I would like to clarify anything that was misunderstood from Sunday's show. My remarks were never meant to be disrespectful regarding Leiomy's gender nor offensive to the LGBT community, which has been a community that has supported me in all my endeavors.
"However, in hindsight, I recognize that my words may have come across as hurtful. I spoke with her privately after the taping to express that it was not my intent to offend her or any member of the transgender community and that I still live for Vogue Evolution"
This isn't the first time the 'Lip Gloss,' rapper's words have raised eyebrows, she recently compared to death of Michael Jackson to that of Jesus Christ.
Reader Comments(1 of 6)
goblinbaby7at 9-03-2009
Lil Mama is young. It's not an excuse, but it's true... she's open-minded and I do believe she honestly meant no harm by her words. She was speaking out against drama and should have kept her comments against drama, period, and kept Leiomy's gender out of it, but she's got a good head on her shoulders and I do believe her heart is in the right place.
trcc127at 9-03-2009
Why is an apology needed? She is allowed to speak her mind. Why all of a sudden are people just to tiptoe around subjets like this and just laud it? Not everyone thinks this is great and they have no need to.
lashawndorseyat 9-03-2009
LiL MAMA said what needed to be said. just because some folks are transgender, doesnt mean that you cant say what they need to here, that would be like my children who threatened to call social service because they didnt like being repremanded, the truth is for all not for some.
LostLenoreat 9-03-2009
Leiomy was acting like an angry child, and abandoning her team during practice WAS unacceptable. I don't like Lil Mama much because she uses the phrase "Bring it!" in almost every critique, but I don't think she meant to insult gay or transgendered people at all. Telling Leiomy to act like a lady instead of a drama queen was spot-on advice, woman to burgeoning woman. If Leiomy doesn't folow it, Vogue Evolution won't be in the competition much longer. That would be a huge loss for the ABDC audience and the LBGTQ community, plus I'd miss seing them do that "VE" thing with their fingers.
Leiomy, you are beautiful and an essential part of an outstandingly talented crew. There's no "I" in team, sweetheart, so take a deep breath and recommit yourself. Getting along is the only way to get along to the finals. When it's over, you can strike out as the next Ru Paul, Jaye Davidson or whoever you want to be.
stew1txat 9-03-2009
After all, she is not a she, she is a he. Born as a man, he is what he is.
Jessat 9-03-2009
I honestly don't think she meant anything insulting by the comment. She just didn't word it right because she's a moron. She meant that Leiomy has to act like a lady and not a bitch. But she unnecessarily brought the fact that Leiomy's trans into it. She could have gotten her point across without mentioning it. But, like I said before, she is a moron.
Nicoletteat 9-04-2009
I am used to black groups playing the race card, but these days everyone has their own card to play when offended- asian card, midget card, adoptive parents card, gay card, hell, a transgendered/intersex card! The only card you can't play is if she'd offended a fat contestant with remarks on weight- 'cuz there are no cards for fat people (I can hear the joke- "because they ate 'em" already).
mssteenewm1206at 9-04-2009
Lil Mama -said and did nothing wrong- The truth hurts sometimes. As a REAL WOMAN- I find it insulting that this "thing" think that just because they change their outer parts, buy pumps, a wig, make-up and over do their gestures & emotions that it makes them a WOMAN!! NOT!! Since when did the truth become a bad thing!!
tolday2001at 9-04-2009
Well, as a REAL WOMAN, I find other "women" who call human beings 'things' to be very insecure and childish, whether they are wearing pumps, wigs, make-up, or under doing their thinking. Mssteenewm thinks she is a real woman? NOT!! Real women aren't insulted by what others do that do not involve them. Real women actually think. Real women aren't threatened by the truth of others. Real women ROCK -- even if they started out as men. And no, the truth isn't a bad thing. It is just truth.
sprat8708at 9-04-2009
idiot
groundspeedat 9-04-2009
...and who is "Lil Mama"?
Jon Jonat 9-04-2009
wait aint lil mama transgendered? i always thought that was lil bow wow in a skirt
jbjg24mat 9-04-2009
shesan idiot !
r4dvat 9-04-2009
Ha HA - a RAPPER apologizes for an off COLOR remark !!!!
Diva the Queenat 9-04-2009
Ah..she was right. It's called "acting" If you're portraying a woman on stage..then be the best woman you can be, even if you are a man.