Kemper was crowned the “Queen of Love and Beauty” at the controversial Veiled Prophet Ball in Missouri.
As the news came to light, Missourians recalled stories online about the organization’s ongoing issues with classism and racism.
Commenters online also debated whether age is an excuse for ignorance, and whether ignorance is an excuse for racism. Kemper addressed both issues in her apology, delivered via Notes app and posted to Instagram on Monday: “The century-old organization that hosted the debutante ball had an unquestionably racist, sexist, and elitist past,” she wrote on Instagram. “I was not aware of this history at the time, but ignorance is no excuse. I was old enough to have educated myself before getting involved.”
She added, “I unequivocally deplore, denounce, and reject white supremacy. At the same time, I acknowledge that because of my race and privilege, I am the beneficiary of a system that has dispensed unequal justice and unequal rewards. There is a very natural temptation, when you become the subject of internet criticism, to tell yourself that your detractors are all wrong. But at some point last week, I realized that a lot of the forces behind the criticism are forces that I’ve spent my life supporting and agreeing with.”co-star, Tituss Burgess, lent his support, reposting her apology on his own Instagram with the caption, “I love my Ellie.” He added, “oh, & P.S. Next time, just ask me, I'll tell ya what to do.
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