Michael Bublé has to be the most harmless, least offensive celebrity ever, which is why it’s so surprising that he’s created a controversy on Instagram. The new dad posted a photo on his Instagram account that his wife took, and it depicts Bublé making a Jim Halpert-like face into the camera because in the background is a woman wearing very short shorts:
Fans called him out for being, basically, creepy and/or a jerk, and accusing him of shaming the woman for her choice of attire. Here’s one comment that breaks down the controversy pretty well:
No permission to take it… Why is there an incessant need to comment on female body parts in social media?@michaelbuble you are simply perpetuating this by posting such a ridiculous & pointless photo. If you & your wife are ever blessed with a daughter & a guy did this to her – how would you feel? No big deal? Only my daughter in shorts on a stranger’s social media page? Your apology is not honest, it shows you aren’t remorseful, you’re only paying lipservice to fans or potential fans to limit damage control. Be the gentleman you like to appear to be & issue an honest one instead. This photo is insulting/degrading to women & if you stop to think about it you will admit it to yourself.#degradingtowomennormalisedyetagain
Others called him “hilarious.”
Bublé responded to the backlash, posting on Facebook,
Anybody who knows me would never misinterpret the message of the photo my wife took in Miami that seems to have caused unexpected rage by some people. I do not court controversy. But I realize that a photo that was meant to be complimentary and lighthearted has turned into a questionable issue. For the record, It hurts me deeply that anyone would think that I would disrespect women or be insulting to any human being.. I was not brought up that way and it is not in my character. I regret that there are people out there who found the photo offensive. That was not and is not my intention. Women are to be celebrated, loved, respected, honored and revered. I’ve spent my life believing that and will continue to do so.
Okay, some thoughts:
- “Anybody who knows me” is the worst way to start an apology. We don’t know you, Mr. Bublé, and it’s a total copout. So is saying, “I regret that there are people out there who found the photo offensive”, which is like saying, “Sorry you got upset” instead of saying, “Sorry I upset you.” So as an apology, this totally fails.
- I don’t think he meant disrespect (and certainly didn’t mean to make this mess), but that doesn’t make it any less creepy, which is what I think this is — totally creepy. If some non-famous dude did the same thing, most peoples’ reactions would be something like, “Eww, what a creeper.”
- It’s really not okay to take photos of people solely to mock them. That’s like basic kindergarten stuff.
Anyway, those are just my thoughts. What do you guys think?
I think people really need to lighten up. He took a photo he thought was cute, and shared it, probably hoping people would smile. Instead the suck all the fun out of life PC Police trash him.
I am honestly just so sick of this culture of being offended by every freaking little thing.
People are way overreacting. I couldn’t get really upset if a man took this pic of my daughter bc I wouldn’t let her leave the house with half her tush hanging out. I doubt he told his wife, “honey take a pic of me next to this ass”. He saw it later and thought it was funny afterward. Also, the lady’s identity is still somewhat anonymous. Chill ppl
He apologizes if you don’t like it or don’t believe his sincerity there is nothing more he can say so get over it.
I’m not sure Michael Buble can be called inoffensive. I’ve read comments on other sites about what a douche he is, and I’m sure Emily Blunt would attest to that.
And I don’t care if you can’t see the girl’s face, unless they asked her permission to take the picture and then post it, this is not cool. I hate that so many people these days think they have the right to do this. When you post pictures without the person’s consent, it’s a total dick move. Which I guess is the norm for Michael Buble.
“I’m sorry people took it that way” is such a BS apology. Maybe he didn’t “mean” it, but he’s so incapable of taking responsibility for how this could be disrespectful. Like, you’re hurt that people think you disrespect women? Sorry that you’re incapable of being called out?
Jesus Christ are you kidding me. As a woman I would love to personally punch every female “offended” by this. Firstly, I don’t care if it’s a male or female, if you wear something absolutely ridiculous you’re probably gonna be called out. Those shorts are utterly ridiculous and Im appalled more people were upset with this picture than the fact that this lady thought it was acceptable to go out in such an outfit. It’s indecent and I for one have an ass and do not want to see one in my face while getting a coffee.