Sexyy Red apologizes to Bernice King after posting disrespectful AI image of Martin Luther King Jr.

Sexyy Red apologizes after posting controversial AI image with MLK, following backlash from Bernice King.

Rapper Sexyy Red, whose real name is Janae Nierah Wherry, faced criticism from Bernice King, the daughter of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., after posting a controversial AI-generated image on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Photo: X

The image depicted Sexyy Red holding hands with Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated in 1968.

Bernice King, 61, found the image disrespectful, calling it “distasteful,” “dishonoring,” and “deplorable.” She tweeted, urging the rapper to take down the post, explaining that the image dishonored her father’s legacy of fighting for civil and human rights.

While Bernice King clarified that she did not view Sexyy Red as a “degenerate” or “trash,” she emphasized her concern about the use of her father’s image in such a manner, particularly on MLK Day. She stated that King’s sacrifice and service to justice should not be diminished through such depictions.

Sexyy Red initially removed the controversial post, but later kept up another image that featured Martin Luther King Jr. during his March on Washington in 1963.

Photo: X

In this altered image, Sexyy Red stood beside King holding a stack of cash, with a sign that read “G.B.E. F*** TRUMP.”

After further backlash, the rapper acknowledged Bernice’s criticism on Tuesday evening, apologizing for unintentionally disrespecting the King family: 'You ain’t wrong, never meant to disrespect your family my apologies. Just [reposted] something I saw that I thought was innocent.'

Bernice King accepted the apology, explaining her concerns and expressing her hope that people would better understand the personal impact of such images. She further urged others to consider how they would feel seeing a deceased loved one’s image used for commercial or political purposes: 'I earnestly wish that people would imagine what it would feel like to see their deceased, murdered father repurposed for party fliers, unjust legislation, etc. All the best to you, young lady.'