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Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman Says Gina Rodriguez Can Use The N-Word Because She’s Latina

”She’s Latina right? Latina Black.”

Gina Rodriguez got in big trouble with social media on Tuesday (October 15) after she posted a video of her using the N-word while reciting the lyrics to The Fugees’ 1996 hit “Ready or Not.”

The Jane the Virgin star has since apologized, saying: "I just wanted to reach out and apologize. I am sorry. I am sorry if I offended anyone by singing along to The Fugees, to a song I love, that I grew up on. I love Lauryn Hill, and I really am sorry if I offended you."

When she got slammed for that non-apology apology, she tried again with a longer statement posted to social media. That one didn’t go over much better with those she offended. 

That said, there is at least one celebrity coming to Rodriguez’ defense.

Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman was asked today by TMZ what he thought of Gina’s transgressions. He says that while some people should censor themselves while singing — depending on the situation — Rodriguez herself has nothing to apologize for because of her Latinx heritage. 

“She was singing the song and if you’re going to sing a song make sure you censor yourself. We can all censor ourselves when we’re singing a record. But as far as I’m concerned – she’s Latina right? Latina Black,” he said. “She’s from Puerto Rico, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Mexicans – believe it or not – we all here [pointing to his brown hand]. Just look at the history.”

To clarify, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Dominican and Mexican are not races, those are nationalities. Latino is not a race and does not automatically mean someone is Black. For example, according to Wikipedia, Cuba is only 10 percent Black and 55 percent white. 

See TMZ’s quick interview with Shawn Stockman below.

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