Rozanda ‘Chilli’ Thomas is speaking out to offer clarity after rumors surged that she may have financially contributed to Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns. This revelation came after the star was said to have also reposted an altered, disrespectful image of former First Lady Michelle Obama earlier this month.
She posted a video to respond to the rumors that she said were “very concerning to me.”
“Let me say this first. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Michelle Obama, and I would never say or do anything that’s disrespectful to her or to any woman. I would never do that,” she shared in a video.
She said it was calls and text messages from others that alerted her to the repost, noting that the action buttons on Instagram are very tight. The comment, repost, and share buttons are in close proximity, so she believes she was simply scrolling when her thumb accidentally tapped Instagram’s latest repost button.
“I had no clue that something like this had happened until I got all the calls.”
The post in question alleged that the former First Lady had registered to vote as a man in 1994, which has been proven false multiple times. Thomas made it clear that she would never post anything like that and has been a big supporter of the Obamas.
“I gave to the campaign, both runs, voted twice for him, and supported the organization that Michelle had in the schools for exercise for the kids,” she contended. “I would never do anything that’s harmful or that’s hateful to anybody. I’m just not wired like that. That’s just not who I am. And when it comes to organizations that I have donated to, these are the things that support the veterans. I have always supported the veterans, not just now but for years. This is not something new, so I just wanted to let you guys know this from me. That I would never do anything just so disrespectful. I’m just not about hate or anything like that.”
Chilli says she’s a woman of “love, faith, and connection. I’ve always been that way, and I will continue to be just that way.”
Thomas also shared a video clip of her comments and an additional written message noting that her aim was always to help veterans with any donations she made, with her father in mind, and that if they somehow ended up in the wrong hands, she was essentially misled.
Thomas received a mix of support and skepticism from followers on her Instagram page after posting the video and note. The skepticism is understandable in this day and age. Some ask, how does one give money away without knowing the ties of where it’s going? How are you accidentally reposting hateful content?
That said, I too have accidentally reposted content on Instagram (nothing offensive, just random!) and not been made aware that it occurred until a friend flagged it to me: “I didn’t know you were a fan.” So what Thomas claims is not far-fetched, but it is extremely unfortunate given what that post turned out to be. And I’m also sure we’ve all heard about donations that have been made, from clothes put in outdoor bins to financial contributions after natural disasters, that haven’t been used in the way originally intended, despite good purposes. So, a donation for one thing turning into something completely different is also not far-fetched. But both things being unearthed back to back doesn’t look good.
I will admit that when I heard the rumors on Saturday (March 28), and did a few searches, seeing no response from Thomas, I assumed the worst. How could anyone accidentally share something that ugly? Donating twice to the Trump campaign? She is dating Matthew Lawrence: Could he be MAGA? What in the world!?
So many questions that led to temporary disappointment. So, finally hearing from her, both in a written statement and in video form, to drive home that she’s sincerely confused and apologetic, is a relief. So, for her fans who ask, “Why would anyone believe such a thing in the first place?” I say, let’s not play crazy.
Why? Because that aforementioned disappointment is becoming a far too common feeling as more and more people of color align themselves with MAGA ideology, whether due to mental health struggles or personal gains (here’s looking at you Kanye West and Nicki Minaj), so-called enlightenment and more. That said, it’s good that Thomas decided to speak out to offer clarity and make sure people know that her focus is on love, not division.
Now, whether people will accept it and offer the grace that she’s asking for remains to be seen. A tour is coming, so some might say she’s attempting to save face. But either way, it’s best to clear the air and your name, no matter what people may think of it. To sit in silence as people connect her and her character with Donald Trump would have been more detrimental and would continue the whispers that would inevitably affect her and, in turn, TLC’s legacy. In this day and age, it’s no longer acceptable for public figures to sit quietly amid rumors like this. It’s now crucial for them, and for all of us, to denounce such pervasive, dangerous principles or risk being seen as a proponent of them.