Carlos Santana goes on anti-trans rant during NJ concert
Carlos Santana sparked controversy with his remarks about the transgender community during a recent performance in New Jersey. The renowned musician, known for hits like “Smooth,” expressed his belief that a woman is a woman and a man is a man. He also commended comedian Dave Chappelle, who faced backlash for his jokes about transgender individuals in his Netflix special.
In a video that surfaced online, Santana can be heard stating, “When God created us, we knew our true identity before we were born. However, as we grow older, we may start to question our true selves and embrace identities that may not align with who we really are.” These comments were made during a show at the Hard Rock Live in Atlantic City.
Santana’s remarks continued, stating, “I respect everyone’s right to be themselves in the privacy of their own lives. It’s not my place to judge. But let’s remember that a woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s the essence of it.” He also referred to Dave Chappelle as his “brother” and emphasized the importance of validation and celebration for individuals.
Following the performance, concert attendees took to social media to express their discomfort with Santana’s statements. One person described the tirade as “insane” and mentioned a disruptive audience member shouting “Amen” throughout. Another individual questioned Santana’s remarks, calling them the most extreme anti-trans rhetoric they had ever heard.
Santana’s comments also received criticism from social media users, with many expressing disappointment in the musician’s divisive statements. Some felt that his reputation would be tarnished by these remarks.
It is worth noting that this incident occurred nearly a year after Santana collapsed on stage during a performance in Michigan. The guitarist had to reschedule several shows on his tour due to health concerns but was able to return to performing the following month.
Carlos Santana went on a bizarre anti-transgender tirade while performing onstage in New Jersey last month.
During the rant, the “Smooth” singer, 76, told the audience, “a woman is a woman, and a man is a man.”
He also praised comedian Dave Chappelle, who came under fire for making jokes about the transgender community in his 2021 Netflix special.
“When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” Santana said in a resurfaced video, which appeared to have been filmed at the Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena in Atlantic City.
“Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right,” he went on.
“Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist also referred to Chappelle, 50, as “my brother,” before telling the crowd they deserve to feel “validated.”
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“I believe it was Maya Angelou who said, ‘The only thing people are going to remember is how you make them feel.’ We want you to feel precious and priceless because you are significant and meaningful. … It’s important to validate and celebrate you,” he said.
Concertgoers were quick to comment on the musician’s “insane” tirade after leaving the New Jersey show.
“It was very uncomfortable, especially the guy shouting Amen throughout,” one attendee wrote on Reddit.
“It was weird that he went on about how we are all special and unique after,” they added.
Another person chimed in, “Carlos Santana stopped and spent a solid 15 minutes spouting the most insane anti-trans bs I’ve maybe ever heard?”
Social media users also slammed the 10-time Grammy winner over his remarks.
“Such a legendary artist having to spread this hate for what,” one person tweeted.
A second user chimed in, “He just ruined his good name. This is now what he’ll be remembered for.”
The rant comes one year after the legendary rocker collapsed onstage during a show in Michigan.
The acclaimed guitarist was forced to reschedule multiple shows on his Miraculous Supernatural Tour with Earth, Wind & Fire “out of an abundance of caution” for his health, his rep told TheFantasyTimes at the time.
Santana returned to the stage the following the month.
