Róisín Murphy Accused of Transphobia After Screenshots Go Viral, Responds With a Statement

Róisín Murphy is responding to criticism.

The 50-year-old Moloko singer and Overpowered solo superstar spoke out on Tuesday (August 29) after screenshots went viral on social media from what appeared to be her personal Facebook, from which she criticized the use of puberty blockers for trans youth.

“Please don’t call me a terf, please don’t keep using that word against women AAI beg you! but puberty blockers ARE F-CKED, absolutely desolate, big Pharma laughing all the way to the bank. Little mixed up kids are vulnerable and need to be protected, that’s just true,” the screenshot reads.

The comments drew considerable backlash, especially considering the singer’s long history with the LGBTQ+ community, with some referring to her as a “TERF,” or trans-exclusionary radical feminist.

In a statement posted to social media days later, Róisín seemingly confirmed that the comments came from herself.

Keep reading to find out more…

”I have been thrown into a very public discourse in an arena I’m uncomfortable in and deeply unsuitable for. I cannot apologise enough for being the reason for this eruption of damaging and potentially dangerous social-media fire and brimstone. To witness the ramifications of my actions and the divisions it has caused is heartbreaking,” she began.

“I’ve had a personal Facebook account for years. The morning I made these comments I was scrolling and I brought up a specific issue that was only broadly related to the original post. It was something that had been on my mind. I knew my friends were informed about the topic. I should’ve known too that I was stepping out of line,” she continued.

“I’ve spent my whole life celebrating diversity and different views, but I never patronise or cynically aim my music directly at the pockets of any demographic. The music I make is the core of everything I do and it’s ever-evolving, freewheeling and unpredictable. For those of you who are leaving me, or have already left, I understand, I really do, but please know I have loved every one of you. I have always been so proud of my audience and understood the privilege of performing for you, all through the years.”

“I am so sorry my comments have been directly hurtful to many of you. You must have felt a huge shock, blindsided by this so abruptly. I understand fixed views are not helpful but I really hope people can understand my concern was out of love for all of us.
I will now completely bow out of this conversation within the public domain. I’m not in the slightest bit interested in turning it into ANY kind of ‘campaign’, because campaigning is not what I do. Though I completely understand that for others activism is their true calling, and is necessary and legitimate in a democracy. My true calling is music and music will never exclude any of us, I believe it will always be one of the greatest tools we can use to create a culture of tolerance. Thank you for taking the trouble to read this,” she concluded.

“I’m Gone Fishing. Sincerely, Róisín.”

Find out which stars came out as LGBTQ+ in 2023.