Irritated Twitter users laid into singer Maxwell when he tweeted that Black History Month should include all races, causing him to clarify his stance later on.
The “Pretty Wings” performer tweeted and deleted messages promoting an “all lives matter” mentality Wednesday, Feb. 8, including one that said, “not all of us look a typical Black.” His post also featured a photo of late singer and civil rights activist Lena Horne.
Another tweet further pushed his stance with a hashtag that meant to include all races.
The posts were captured as screenshots on Twitter prior to their removal and many users chimed in.
Author Daniel José Older responded to Maxwell’s hashtag, to which the singer sarcastically reminded Older about former President Barack Obama’s parentage.
When one woman insulted the album sales of his 2016 release, “blackSUMMERS’night,” Maxwell hurled a sexist insult at her via direct message.
This is why ya last album went triple paper clip! Because the ancestors not playing that Kumbaya bullshit. FOH @_MAXWELL_
— The Unorthodox Duck (@GeauxGabby) February 8, 2017
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/DbNYrsPFJe
— The Unorthodox Duck (@GeauxGabby) February 8, 2017
Some were focused on the fact that the singer was on team “All Lives Matter.”
So no one pointing out that Maxwell tried to All Lives Matter #BlackHistoryMonth…
DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
— Whiskey Mistress (@SchizophARIA) February 9, 2017
Whoda thunk it @_MAXWELL_ is #AllLivesMatter and everyone color of the rainbow should be included in Black History Month. #BoyBye pic.twitter.com/QdyT1xBov5
— Tee Franklin (@MizTeeFranklin) February 8, 2017
Maxwell done all lives matter’d black history month .somebody collect this man please
— ?baby blue? (@h0tcheeto) February 9, 2017
Maxwell all lives mattered black history month, the migos questioning makonnen’s street cred because he’s gay, Sessions is Attorney General pic.twitter.com/XNZhIExK9t
— The Sixuation (@DeeJaySix9) February 9, 2017
When you try to #allhistorymatters Black History Month. #Maxwell pic.twitter.com/25NBSaldsD
— Meat Puppet (@ShytsnGyggles) February 9, 2017
Others booted him from the cookout.
Maxwell has now been cancelled. He really said celebrating people that aren’t black is beneficial to Black history month…chile pic.twitter.com/T0gopJ0YLj
— I Luh God ✨ (@aVeryRichBitch_) February 8, 2017
Maxwell. . . pic.twitter.com/f3HLW3zNfk
— Jasmine (@jedijzmne) February 9, 2017
Sage Steele
Jerry Rice
Ray Lewis
Trevor Noah
Ben Carson
Stacey Dash
Maxwell pic.twitter.com/ovRRKcBsmv
— Around The Way Guy (@VileNihilist) February 9, 2017
There were several users who agreed that Black History Month should acknowledge the different ethnicities of Black people and knew where Maxwell was coming from.
Glad my man @_MAXWELL_ reinforces an inclusive vision of blackness that embraces the vibrant diversity of our colors and ethnicities! Bravo!
— Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) February 9, 2017
@_MAXWELL_ yes please. Our history is very complex therefore we can’t leave out the other parts of who we are. Anywho… #GODS ???
— LaShonda Denae (@Imsocreative72) February 8, 2017
@_MAXWELL_ don’t sweat it, I believe your true fans knew what you meant, people run w/ the wrong shit… smh…
— Fransheryl (@lilbabynurse) February 9, 2017
@_MAXWELL_ love u and undertstand what u meant. This BLACK woman knows we are many shades. The fight for freedom was not by just one race.
— Beautiful flower (@Ndagarden) February 9, 2017
One person shared how Black History Month effects individuals with lighter skin tones.
In Maxwell’s defense, #BlackHistoryMonth can be difficult for us #biege folks. pic.twitter.com/uOtbCclHkb
— Rusty Redenbacher (@rustymk2) February 9, 2017
Maxwell backed away from his original tweets later that evening, clarifying his intent.
t h i s w a s a t e s t
— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) February 9, 2017
“it’s about all the shades of black that’s what i meant that what mean..” ?? pic.twitter.com/MTOI0lHU1e
— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) February 9, 2017
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