Róisín Murphy shares a statement after transphobic comments resurface

In the comment, under a post about the comedian and anti-transgender activist Graham Linehan, Murphy criticized the use of puberty blockers on children. “Please don’t call me a terf, please don’t keep using that word against women,” Murphy wrote. “I beg you! but puberty blockers ARE FUCKED, 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.”

Murphy has now shared a statement in which she holds her hands up to the comments, and refuses to speak publicly any further about it.

“You can't hide from the truth, cause the truth is all there is” - well @roisinmurphy - the truth is that you ARE expressing transphobic views here on FB with your personal account under a post about the vile transphobe Glinner. pic.twitter.com/GSphWW5u0a

— Joanna Cuddle (@joannacuddle) August 23, 2023

"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 are heartbreaking," she wrote, before explaining that she has never aimed her music at one demographic –– perhaps in response to comments that she has always been supportive of the LGBTQ+ communities.

"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," she added.

“In essence, I refuse to engage and learn and I actually don’t owe anything to the LGBTQ community.” Doesnt sound a lot like you’re actually sorry your comments are hurtful, @roisinmurphy if you’re refusing any soul searching on the transphobic narratives you’ve bought into. https://t.co/LQN1KEDgfQ

— careysagirlsname (@carebearscare91) August 29, 2023

Doubling down on her previous comments, Murphy continues: "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," and notes that she "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 it 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."

Many fans on X (Twitter) have reacted negatively to this statement, with some even cancelling pre-orders for Murphy's forthcoming album.