Rock legend Carlos Santana paused his New Jersey concert in late July to talk to his audience about an issue that was apparently close to his heart. In a speech that critics attacked as “anti-trans,” the famed guitarist said, “A woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it.”
Attendees at the Atlantic City show said that Santana had paused his set after just one song, addressing the crowd for several minutes before returning to the music. Video of his comments circulated on Thursday.
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Last night at a concert in New Jersey, rock legend Carlos Santana said “when God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are… a woman is a woman and a man is a man.”
pic.twitter.com/zCZibZIkM2— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 24, 2023
“When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” he began. “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. 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.”
Santana then offered support to comedian Dave Chappelle, who has often been attacked for making similar comments. “I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle,” he said.
The rock legend later provided a statement to Billboard, clarifying his position on the issue — but, as the outlet noted, not walking back the things he had said onstage.
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“Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve every day. I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not,” he said in the statement. “This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear.”
“It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace,” he concluded.
