Jess Glynne apologises for using ‘unacceptable’ slur in Mo Gilligan podcast: ‘I am ashamed’

Singer had attracted criticism on social media for using the outdated slur

Jess Glynne has apologised for using an offensive slur about transgender people.

The singer recently attracted criticism after an interview with comedian Mo Gilligan saw her discussing a trip to “a tranny strip club thing”.

Following a substantial backlash from people on social media, Glynne has apologised for her choice of words.

In a lengthy statement posted on Instagram, the singer wrote that she is “wholeheartedly sorry”.

“I know that in this case, sorry is not nearly enough, throughout my life I have made a lot of mistakes and what I have come to know is that the only benefit to making one is to learn from it,” she said. “ I know I needed to address my mistake head on and educate myself about an issue I was frankly ignorant of.”

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Glynne went on to specifically address her use of the slur, stating that it was “unacceptable”.

The 31-year-old wrote: “I am ashamed that I was unaware of the potency of the T-slur until now.”

She added that she has been discussing the “power of that word” with transgender model and activist Danielle St James, stating:  “It is often the last word someone hears before they are brutally attacked or even murdered, similar to the anti-gay F slur, the T-slur is commonly used to humiliate and degrade transgender individuals.”

The singer then shared a list of organisations that “we can all turn to” in order to learn more, adding: “I do believe personal development never ends but we have to make a commitment to change and I will be taking some time to continue to grow.”

Organisers of London Trans Pride – who Glynne tagged in her post – said that the “Hold My Hand” singer “still has work to do” but stated that she is “going in the right direction”.

Other people have called out Gilligan for apparently failing to challenge Glynne for using the slur.

The full podcast episode, which was uploaded on Friday 5 March, appears to have been removed from streaming services including Spotify, PlayFM and Apple Podcasts.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Gilligan for comment.