Vanessa Hudgens Under Fire For Saying Coronavirus Deaths Aren’t Tragic Because They’re “Inevitable”

“No, no, no! Stick to the stuff you know!” just took on a whole new meaning. On Monday, High School Musical alum Vanessa Hudgens posted an ill-advised Instagram story downplaying concerns about coronavirus and its potentially-fatal consequences.

Yesterday (March 16), Hudgens posted an Instagram story about the rapidly-escalating COVID-19 outbreak, which has killed more than 7,500 people around the globe, according to the World Health Organization. “Um, yeah, ’til July sounds like a bunch of bullshit,” said the actress (earlier Monday, President Donald Trump said that it may not be until July or August that coronavirus “washes through” the United States).

“It’s a virus, I get it. I respect it,” continued Hudgens. “But even if everybody gets it, like — yeah, people are going to die. Which is terrible, but like, inevitable?”

The actress paused for a beat before (half) realizing that maybe she shouldn’t be publicizing this very insensitive opinion. “I don’t know, maybe I shouldn’t be doing this right now,” she said with a chuckle.

Hudgens apologized Tuesday afternoon for the since deleted Instagram story using the tried and true iOS Notes app, saying, “Hey guys. I’m so sorry for the way I have offended anyone and everyone who has seen the clip from my Instagram live yesterday. I realize my words were insensitive and not at all appropriate for the situation our country and the world are in right now. That has been a huge wake up cal about the significance my words have, now more than ever. I’m sending safe wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy during this crazy time.”

Before the Instagram story was deleted (and the apology), viewers recorded it and posting it on Twitter. “What a horrible and heartless message for you to share with the younger people who look up to you,” wrote New York Magazine and HuffPost’s Yashar Ali. “Vanessa Hudgens, you absolute thick, privileged, uncaring twat,” added author Caroline Hirons. “Vanessa Hudgens is deciding to be trash today,” said Deadline editor Dino-Ray Ramos.

Also before the apology, Hudgens had posted multiple times since uploading the insensitive story. In one video posted Tuesday afternoon, the actress wishes a happy St. Patrick’s Day to her followers, saying, “I wish we were in a pub, but we’re not. Because lockdooooown! But Happy St. Patty’s Day.”

This story has been updated to include Hudgens’ apology note.