Offset Responds to Backlash Over ‘Queer’ Usage: ‘I’m Offended I Offended Anybody’

Offset has come under fire for homophobia before with his group, Migos. (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

Migos rapper Offset is apologizing over the use of the word “queer” but it’s not the kind of apology you may expect. Cardi B‘s fiancé said on Instagram Thursday that he is “offended I offended anybody” by using the term, usually seen as a homophobic reference, in a verse on YFN Lucci’s “Boss Life.”

“60k solitaire / I cannot vibe with queers / I got the heart of a bear / Bustin’ them down by the pair,” he rapped on the verse.

Although the track has been out since December, it wasn’t until Wednesday, Jan. 17 that the lyric picked up steam.

It’s the second time Offset has been involved in a homophobia controversy. The first came when Migos’ Quavo indicated rapper iLoveMakonnen’s coming out affected his credibility.

“Offset saying he doesn’t vibe with queers while constantly wearing and PARADING clothes by gay designers is the REAL gag,” tweeted British singer-songwriter MNEK of the newest controversy.

“Lesson: Hip Hop culture is deeply influenced by Queer producers, writers & stylists,” tweeted Karamo Brown, host of the upcoming “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” reboot. “So understand Queers made your career! #Homophobia will not be tolerated!”

But Offset says he has nothing but love for everyone before explaining he simply used the term because of its meaning of “strange” and because it rhymed with other words in the verse.

“When I wrote that I was thinking of words that could rhyme with the others (here, lear, solitaire, bear) and I saw this definition about her having a queer feeling she was being watched and it fit what I was thinking about a stalker creepy paparazzi situation,” he explained in a Thursday, Jan. 18 Instagram post. “To me that ‘queer’ I don’t mean someone who’s gay. I mean lame people who film you, post it and stalk you. Lingo that means strange or odd.”

The statements echoed previous comments he made on Instagram Live.

View this post on Instagram

I didn’t write the line about gay people. I have said before since these issues before that I got love for all people. My passion for fashion has lead me to a lot of gay people around me who I have mad respect for and we are very cool so I’m not in a place where I’m hating like that. When I wrote that I was thinking of words that could rhyme with the others (here, lear, solitaire, bear) and I saw this definition about her having a queer feeling she was being watched and it fit what I was thinking about a stalker creepy paparazzi situation. To me that “queer” I don’t mean someone who’s gay. I mean lame people who film you, post it and stalk you. Lingo that means strange or odd. I M S O R R Y I A P O L O G I Z E I’m offended I offended anybody

A post shared by OFFSET (@offsetyrn) on Jan 18, 2018 at 7:14am PST

https://twitter.com/XavierDLeau/status/953960929741418496

He says more. pic.twitter.com/TKpLuNGeFA

— Xavier D’Leau (@XavierDLeau) January 18, 2018