American actress Skai Jackson has apologised to Kenyans after facing backlash over remarks she made about her 2018 visit to the country, insisting her comments were taken out of context and were never meant to offend anyone.
The former Disney star had sparked outrage after claiming in a viral interview that mirrors were expensive in a village she visited, adding that many children only saw their reflections for the first time using her phone.
The comments triggered criticism from Kenyans, who accused her of promoting harmful stereotypes about the country.
Responding to the controversy in a video shared on social media, Jackson clarified that she was referring to a specific rural village she visited during her trip and not Kenya as a whole.
“I wanted to apologise for my conversation when I was talking about my trip to Kenya. I did not mean any disrespect by it. I went back in 2018, and I did go to a very tiny village,” she said.
Jackson explained that her remarks were based on conversations she had with teachers and children in the village, saying she later realised many people interpreted them as a description of the entire country.
“I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful. I really, really enjoyed my time in Kenya. I truly loved my experience, and I was not being funny,” she stated.
The actress pleaded with Kenyans to accept her apology, insisting she had no intention of insulting the country or its people.
“I just wanted to apologise. I hope you guys forgive me. I would never be disrespectful or just say anything that’s crazy because I’m not that type of person,” she added.
Her apology has drawn mixed reactions online.
"Giiirrrl I’m glad you took that back coz I definitely know what I look like," wrote influencer Chelsea Okwako on Instagram.
"This apology should not be accepted until she tells us which village because mirrors have been there for AGES!" said another.
The former Disney Channel star first rose to widespread fame playing Zuri Ross on the popular sitcom "Jessie" and its spin-off "Bunk'd," earning an NAACP Image Award nomination for her performance.
Over her career, she has expanded her filmography with roles in feature films such as "Sheroes," "The Man in the White Van," "The Smurfs," and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."
Alongside her television and film projects, Jackson built a massive digital following and gained widespread popularity on social media for her viral internet presence, her time as a semi-finalist on "Dancing with the Stars," and her bestselling memoir, "Reach for the Skai."