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 where she described efforts to contain the virus as ‘bull****’, saying that everyone is going to get it anyway and that deaths are ‘inevitable’.
Hudgens quickly deleted the video but copies of it were spread online causing widespread fury with people slamming her for ‘irresponsible’ advice that puts the old and vulnerable at risk.
Holly Figueroa O’Reilly, an entrepreneur helping campaigning Democrats, replied: ‘This type of dismissivness is what is going to get your nana and pawpaw killed. And maybe your parents.
‘Please tell your followers that you were wrong and they need to stay home.’
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
Journalist Yashar Ali was also among voices leading the outrage, writing: ‘What a horrible and heartless message for you to share with the younger people who look up to you.’
Lorrie Goldstein, a former editor of the Toronto Sun, added: ‘Another example of why we should never, ever, ever, ever, take celebrities seriously … about almost anything.’
Responding to Hudgens saying that her comments were ‘taken out of context’, photojournalist Frank Young responded: ‘Nothing was taken out of context.’
Attorney and National Review podcaster ‘Esoteric Jeff’ added: ‘I think, in retrospect, it’s good to remember that pretty people with nice singing voices aren’t necessarily intelligent, or particularly morally-centered.’
User Sarah commented: ‘Vanessa Hudgens literally doesn’t care about people dying from Coronavirus.’
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
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