DaBaby dug himself a hole when he took time out of his Rolling Loud 2021 Miami set to let off a homophobic rant that targeted the LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities. After weeks of apologies that weren’t well-received and several canceled festival appearances, DaBaby is taking another step in repairing the damage he caused.
On Tuesday (August 31), Varietyreported DaBaby has met with a group of nine U.S. HIV organizations who sent him an open letter on August 4 to meet and discuss facts about HIV and hear personal stories of people living and thriving with HIV. Over 125 organizations signed on to support the open letter to the Grammy-nominated rap star.
“The open letter to DaBaby was our way to extend him the same grace each of us would hope for,” wrote the group in a press release. “Our goal was to ‘call him in instead of calling him out.’ We believed that if he connected with Black leaders living with HIV that a space for community building and healing could be created. We are encouraged he swiftly answered our call and joined us in a meaningful dialogue and a thoughtful, educational meeting.”
DaBaby Meets With Nine HIV-Awareness Organizations, ‘Apologizes’ for ‘Hurtful and Inaccurate Comments’ https://t.co/AWpNu0bKJO
— Variety (@Variety) August 31, 2021
The meeting included representatives from Black AIDS Institute, Gilead Sciences COMPASS Initiative Coordinating Centers, GLAAD, National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), The Normal Anomaly Initiative, Positive Women’s Network-USA, Prevention Access Campaign (U=U), the Southern AIDS Coalition and Transinclusive Group.
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According to the group’s account, DaBaby was deeply involved with the meeting and apologized for his harmful comments. Organization officials also praised DaBaby’s high respect and willingness to listen to the stories of people living with HIV.
“DaBaby’s willingness to listen, learn, and grow can open the door to an entirely new generation of people to do the same,” Marnina Miller of the Southern AIDS Coalition, who participated in the meeting, said.
DaBaby Thanks Hot 97 & Lists Reasons They Let Him Perform At Summer Jam
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Even though DaBaby saw several of his festival appearances canceled, he would still perform at Hot 97’s Summer Jam stage on August 23 and Boosie Badazz’s Boosie Bash five days later.
