Stevie Wonder has spoken out about comments he made regarding the sexuality of soul singer Frank Ocean last week.
Speaking to the Guardian, Wonder had said that he thought Ocean – who publicly revealed that his first love had been a man earlier this year – might be ‘confused’. He said: “I think honestly, some people who think they’re gay, they’re confused. People can misconstrue closeness for love. People can feel connected, they bond.”
However, Wonder has now explained that he had been ‘misunderstood’. Rolling Stone reports that Wonder has issued a statement in which he says: “I’m sorry that my words about anyone feeling confused about their love were misunderstood. No-one has been a greater advocate for the power of love in this world than I; both in my life and in my music.
“Clearly, love is love, between a man and a woman, a woman and a man, a woman and a woman and a man and a man. What I’m not confused about is the world needing much more love, no hate, no prejudice, no bigotry and more unity, peace and understanding. Period.”
The legendary soul singer, who released his 23rd studio album in 2005, will headline this year’s Bestival over the coming weekend. Bestival takes place from September 6–9 at Robin Hill Park on the Isle Of Wight, with New Order and Florence And The Machine set to join Wonder as headliners.
Other artists confirmed for this year’s Bestival include Friendly Fires, Death In Vegas, Django Django, The xx, Sigur Ros, The Horrors, Two Door Cinema Club, Azealia Banks, Soulwax, Nero, Emeli Sande, Warpaint, Spiritualized, Gary Numan, Charli XCX, First Aid Kit, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, Turbowolf, De La Soul, Major Lazer, Justice and Gallows.