Killer Mike has issued a public apology for the controversial interview that he did with the NRA where he promoted gun ownership, but seemed to bash activism for stricter gun control laws when he also revealed that he discouraged his children from participating in the national school walkouts that took place in response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting that left seventeen people dead in Parkland, Florida.
At first, the Run The Jewels emcee vehemently defended his interview on Twitter, swatting away at criticisms throughout the social network. Now, it seems the rapper has found some error in his ways and uploading two videos on the app, hoping to clear the air on his words.
“I did an interview about black gun ownership in this era," he said. "That interview was used a week later by NRA TV to disparage a very noble campaign that I actually support [...] I'm sorry that an interview I did about a minority—black people in this country—and gun rights was used as a weapon against you guys. That was unfair to you, and it was wrong, and it disparaged some very noble work you're doing."
In the second of the two videos, he went on to explain that the video was seemingly used to attack the March For Our Lives movement and that his appearance on NRA TV did not align with this message as his goal was to continue to voice his support of African-American gun ownership.
"My interview was supposed to be something that continued the conversation or that helped the conversation happen that I felt needed to happen. And that conversation is about African American gun ownership." He went on to add, "It should never have been used in contrast to your march, and I think it's wrong. To the young people who worked tirelessly to organize, I'm sorry adults chose to do this. I'm sorry NRA TV did that."
Appearing to directly reference his original revelation on keeping his children from participating in walkouts in an effort to challenge them to think for their own, he stepped back from his original sentiments in the apology, addressing marchers: "We're willing to follow your lead. Lead the way. I do support the march. And I support black people owning guns. It's possible to do both. I wanted to make sure that my words were heard. I wanted to make sure I was clear with what I was saying. And I wanted to make sure that you knew what I did had nothing to do with disparaging you. I love and respect you all. I love and respect you and commend you for your work. Keep marching for our lives. Keep pushing on."
