Nicole Scherzinger Responds to Criticism for Comment on Russell Brand’s “Make Jesus First Again” Post

Nicole Scherzinger is speaking out after facing backlash for liking and commenting on a post from Russell Brand, the controversial comedian-turned-podcaster who is facing a number of sexual assault allegations.

In screengrabs circulating online Thursday, Scherzinger appeared to have replied to a picture Brand posted on Instagram of himself holding a hat that read, “Make Jesus First Again,” seemingly alluding to the Trump campaign’s MAGA hat and also referencing Brand’s recent conversion to Christianity. In a since-deleted comment, the singer-actress wrote, “Where do I get this hat!!!?”

Scherzinger, who is currently starring in Sunset Blvd. on Broadway and faced a lot of criticism from the theater community specifically, took to her Instagram Story on Friday to “deeply apologize for the hurt caused by my recent engagement with some social media posts.”

“When I commented on these posts, I made a mistake of not realizing that they could be easily interpreted as being politically related and I apologize to anyone who understandably reached that conclusion,” she wrote in her post. “Many presumptions are being drawn, which do not reflect who I am, what I stand for, or who I voted for. Many of the marginalized communities feeling hurt and concerned by the results of the presidential election are people I care about most. I stand with them, as I always have, throughout my life and career. If you know me, you know that.”

Scherzinger continued, “Like so many others, in times of adversity and uncertainty, I turn to my faith. I believe that the posts I  engaged with were about encouraging people to choose love and faith — “putting Jesus first.” For me Christ embodies peace, compassion, hope, and — above all — unconditional love, especially for those who may feel it the least right now. I come from a place of love, and I will always support values that bring us closer together. It’s so important we come together with compassion, and love one another more now than ever.”

Prior to the controversy, Scherzinger had been receiving rave reviews for her performance in the Sunset Blvd. revival on Broadway, as well as attracting strong awards buzz.

As for Brand, U.K. detectives investigating sexual assault allegations against him asked prosecutors in the country this week to consider bringing charges against the former comedian. He has denied all claims made against him, which date between 2006 and 2013, when he was at the height of his fame.