Maddie Ziegler apologizes for past ‘racially insensitive’ videos

Maddie Ziegler issued an apology after “racially insensitive” videos from her childhood resurfaced online. “There are a few videos some of you have seen from when I was about 9 years old where I thought it was funny to mock people and accents,” the former “Dance Moms” star wrote in a statement posted to social …

Maddie Ziegler issued an apology after “racially insensitive” videos from her childhood resurfaced online.

“There are a few videos some of you have seen from when I was about 9 years old where I thought it was funny to mock people and accents,” the former “Dance Moms” star wrote in a statement posted to social media on Tuesday. “I’m honestly ashamed and I’m truly sorry for my actions.”

Ziegler explained that she has “grown up” since the videos were taken.

“What I thought was silly humor when I was younger, I know was actually ignorant and racially insensitive,” she continued. “We have all made mistakes in our lives and as we grow up, we educate ourselves and learn to be better people.”

Ziegler was first in the spotlight at 8 years old when she starred on “Dance Moms,” and gained notoriety when she appeared in multiple Sia music videos.

Her post goes on to reference the “challenges” she faced while “growing up in the public eye.”

“I hope you will forgive me and also hope you realize I have in fact grown up and would never act this way now,” she continued.

While Ziegler stated that “there is no need to attack each other or try to defend me,” many impassioned fans stuck by her side.

“Babe, it’s okay, you were 9 years old,” one Twitter user wrote, while another added, “This is very mature of you Maddie, but I think people holding you accountable for something you did as a child is ridiculous.”

Others weren’t as quick to accept the apology, with some criticizing the timing of her response coming after she posted a Fabletics ambassador photo.

“Girl really? A sponsored post but still no apology,” one Instagram user wrote.

She ended her post with a plea to “spread love during these times when we need it the most.”

“Dance Moms” star Abby Lee Miller also recently faced accusations of racism, and issued an apology in June.