Hill Harper apologized on social media this past weekend after misgendering Zaya Wade — the trangender daughter of Dwayne Wade. Wade turned 13 this past weekend and Gabrielle Union posted a “Happy Birthday” message on her Instagram account. Hill wrote in the comments, “Happy Birthday young man!! Read 'Letters to a Young Brother'!!! Your mom wrote something in it!! You'll love it! Have a great day!!”
After being dragged by fans, Harper immediately apologized, saying, “I would like to apologise for my post. I am responsible for what gets posted and I made a horrible error. I misgendered my friend’s child and I am so sorry to Zaya and the entire Wade family. It was not my intention to misgender and misrepresent her in any way. I celebrate Zaya.”
He continued, “As a family friend I feel so bad that I may have taken away from the celebration. Zaya’s courage and strength is something I celebrate. And there was absolutely no malicious intent to my post.”
He added, “I am human and I am learning and often trying to do too many things which leads to mistakes like this one. I am sorry. I’m sorry to those my post offended, that was certainly not my intention. I extend my heartfelt apology to Zaya, the Wade family.”