Mario Lopez apologises for ‘ignorant’ and ‘insensitive’ anti-trans comments

'I now have a deeper understanding of how hurtful they were'

TV presenter Mario Lopez has apologised after facing a backlash for saying it was “dangerous” for parents to support their children should they choose to become transgender.

The former Saved by the Bell star made the offending remark in June during an interview with American broadcaster, Candace Owens, on her eponymous PragerU show.

Owens began by asking Lopez what he made of “this new trend” whereby celebrities such as Charlize Theron allow their young children to choose their own genders.

The prominent conservative pundit, who is known for her criticism of the US Democratic Party, went on to argue that children say “whatever in the moment” and doubted those who give their kids the “mental authority” to change genders.

Lopez, who has three children, agreed with Owens, saying that he is “kind of blown away too” by parents who allow this.

“Look, I’m never one to tell anyone how to parent their kids, obviously, and I think if you come from a place of love, you really can’t go wrong,” he continued.

“But at the same time, my God, if you’re three years old and you’re saying you’re feeling a certain way, or you think you’re a boy or a girl, whatever the case may be, I just think it’s dangerous as a parent to make that determination.”

Lopez went on to describe it as “alarming”, adding that he can’t help but think of “the repercussions later on” in a transgender child’s life.

The actor’s comments prompted a major backlash, with thousands of people criticising him and calling for his Saved by the Bell character, AC Slater, to be “cancelled”.

“Mario Lopez’s suggestion that parents ought not accept their trans kids — kids who face staggering levels of suicide, bullying and other hurdles — is cruel,” tweeted one person.

Another added: “It’s unfortunate that someone who is so involved with @GLAAD like @MarioLopezExtra would be so misinformed about #trans kids.”

One person argued that Lopez’ comments are “far more dangerous” than supporting a transgender child.

On Wednesday, after his comments went viral online, Lopez issued an apology for his remarks, labelling them as “insensitive” and “ignorant”.

“The comments I made were ignorant and insensitive, and I now have a deeper understanding of how hurtful they were,” the 45-year-old said.

“I have been and always will be an ardent supporter of the LGBTQ community, and I am going to use this opportunity to better educate myself. Moving forward I will be more informed and thoughtful.”