Vanessa Hudgens apologises for 'insensitive' coronavirus comments after backlash

Vanessa Hudgens has apologised for making "insensitive" comments about the coronavirus, adding she takes the situation "seriously."

During an Instagram Live on Monday, the High School Musical star called Donald Trump's assertion that the crisis could last through July “bulls***.” She also made a flippant remark about the "inevitable" deaths caused by the pandemic. In a mea culpa Tuesday, Hudgens said she's "sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone" who watched.

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"I realise my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now," she wrote. "This has been a huge wake up call about the significance my words have, now more than ever."

Hudgens also addressed her 38 million followers directly on her Instagram story Tuesday afternoon, but called her comments a misunderstanding.

"Hey guys, so yesterday I did an Instagram Live and I realise today that some of my comments are being taken out of context," she began. "It’s a crazy time. It’s a crazy, crazy, time, and I am at home and in lockdown and that’s what I hope that’s what you guys are doing, too, in full quarantine and staying safe and sane. Um, yeah I don’t take this situation lightly by any means. I am home. So stay inside y’all."

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The actress sparked backlash when she commented about the potential length and severity of the coronavirus outbreak.

"Um, yeah, 'til July sounds like a bunch of bulls***, I'm sorry," Hudgens declared Monday. "It's a virus, I get it. Like, I respect it. But at the same time, like even if everybody gets it, like, yeah people are gonna die, which is terrible, but like, inevitable?"

She added, "I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't be doing this right now."

Social media users, including actors Josh Gad and Logan Lerman, weighed in.

Kathy Ireland defended Hudgens, writing, "This clearly is a young woman who is upset, frightened and clearly needs help."

Hudgens isn't the only person who has been called out for insensitive content on social media. Kristin Cavallari was trolled for going on vacation with friends amid the outbreak.

She posted a cheeky response on Tuesday to her Instagram as she posed on a deserted beach, captioning her post: “Social distancing.”