Take That’s Nottingham Pride’s Howard Donald AXED for liking a series of transphobic and homophobic tweets, as the singer says he’s ‘really disappointed’ with himself in rambling apologies
Take That’s Howard Donald has been fired from Nottingham Pride for liking a series of transphobic and homophobic tweets, with the singer saying he was ‘disappointed’ with himself in a fawning apology.
The musician was set to headline LGBTIQA festival Groovebox in July alongside artists such as Horse Meat Disco, Essel and Sam Sax.
Howard’s performance at the event was condemned by fans who took notice of his recent online activity – his Twitter account has since been deleted.
Nottingham Pride announced the news in a statement on Friday, saying: ‘In light of recent events, Howard Donald will no longer be playing at our Nottingham Pride Festival on Saturday 29th July at Binks Yard.
“We would like to thank the public for alerting us to the situation this morning and also appreciate your patience as we spoke to the relevant parties.”
Take That’s Howard Donald has been fired from Nottingham Pride after the singer liked a series of transphobic and homophobic tweets
They continued: “The Groovebox team stands in solidarity with the wider LGBTQ+ community, we believe that every person has the right to be their authentic true self without fear of persecution and hatred.
“We are working to confirm a replacement headliner alongside Horse Meat Disco, Tayce, Danny Beard & ESSEL for Nottingham Pride and will make an announcement in due course.”
Howard shared his own statement on Instagram, writing: “I made a huge mistake in my judgment about liking social media posts that are derogatory to the LGBTQIA+ community and for that I am deeply sorry and I know that I have abandoned.
“I am very disappointed in myself and I am sorry for all the pain I have caused by my unskilled actions. Obviously I still have a lot to learn and it’s a priority for me to do this.”
MailOnline has reached out to representatives from both Howard and Nottingham Pride for comment.
Wrong: Howard’s performance at the event was condemned by fans who took notice of his recent online activity – his Twitter account has since been deleted
Nottingham Pride announced the news in a statement on Friday, saying: ‘In light of recent events, Howard Donald will no longer be playing at our Nottingham Pride Festival’
Howard shared his own statement on Instagram, writing: “I made a huge mistake in my judgment about liking social media posts that are derogatory towards the LGBTQIA+ community.
