Ignorance is no excuse: Ellie Kemper's apology over the Veiled Prophet Ball controversy

Remember when Ellie Kemper caused a digital uproar that left internet users' heads spinning? A look back on the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt actor's apology over her participation in the contentious Veiled Prophet Ball tells a tale of contrition, self-awareness, and promises to do better.

"Ignorance is No Excuse" – Ellie Kemper's Revelation

In a throwback to Memorial Day, the Twitterverse was aflutter with the news of Kemper's teenage involvement in the St. Louis-based Veiled Prophet Ball, an event shrouded in mystery and criticized for its problematic history. In 1999, a young Kemper was crowned the Queen of Love and Beauty, a tidbit that sent the internet into a frenzy. Misinformation led some users to falsely label her a "KKK Princess," as reported by Vanity Fair.

Taking to Instagram to address the scandal, Kemper didn't shy away from denouncing the Veiled Prophet organization, recognizing its "unquestionably racist, sexist, and elitist past." Despite her ignorance of this history during her participation, Kemper didn't excuse her actions. She acknowledged that at 19, she should have educated herself better.

Rejecting White Supremacy and Acknowledging Privilege

The actor strongly stated, "I unequivocally deplore, denounce, and reject white supremacy," recognizing her own privilege as a white woman from a well-known St. Louis family. Kemper acknowledged the benefit she derived from a system that dispenses unequal justice and rewards based on race.

Kemper also addressed the role of misinformation in her scandal and commended the forces behind the criticism that she has spent her life supporting and agreeing with. She expressed gratitude for being called out and saw the incident as a necessary discomfort for dismantling larger systems of oppression.

Apology and a Pledge to Do Better

In a heartfelt wrap-up, Kemper apologized to those she disappointed and made a promise to listen, educate herself, and use her privilege to support societal betterment. "I will listen, continue to educate myself, and use my privilege in support of the better society I think we're capable of becoming," she wrote.

The Ellie Kemper episode serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the willingness to admit mistakes. While controversy has its moment in the spotlight, the real change happens when we listen, learn, and do better.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)