Take That’s Howard Donald Apologises For Liking Twitter Posts Derogatory To LGBTQI+ Community

Take That star Howard Donald has apologised for liking Twitter posts derogatory to the LGBTQI+ community.

The social media interactions came to light yesterday – June 17th – with fans noticing that Howard Donald had begun ‘liking’ some strange posts. The material seemingly included posts from controversial figure Andrew Tate, posts criticising a trans-inclusive period campaign, videos of anti-trans pundit Posie Parker, and a tweet from Turning Point UK founder Charlie Kirk that called for Disney to be “defunded” for announcing a Pride event.

The ‘likes’ caused a huge backlash, with many pointing out the deep bond that exists between Take That and the LGBTQI+ community.

This is how Take That were originally marketed. If it wasn’t for the gay fans Howard Donald would’ve never had a career, yet he thought it was ok to be openly homophobic & transphobic. SAD pic.twitter.com/UAXnSIe8lQ

— Andrew McBride (@andrewmcb) June 17, 2023

Take That’s Howard Donald then deleted his Twitter account amid mounting criticism.

The vocalist had beens scheduled to perform at the Groovebox Nottingham Pride Festival, which is set to take place in Blinks Yard on July 29th. In a statement, organisers confirmed the set will no longer be going ahead –

In light of recent events, Howard Donald will no longer be playing at our Nottingham Pride Festival on Saturday 29th July at Binks Yard. We would like to offer our thanks to the public for alerting us to the situation this morning and also appreciate your patience whilst we spoke to the relevant parties. We are working on confirming a replacement headliner alongside Horse Meat Disco, Tayce, Danny Beard & ESSEL for Nottingham Pride and will make an announcement in due course.

Howard Donald then issued an apology over IG Stories, calling the ‘likes’ “an error” before vowing to educate himself.

“I have made a huge error in my judgment liking social media posts that are derogatory towards the LGBTQIA+ community and for that I am deeply sorry and I know I have let everyone down. I am really disappointed in myself and I am sorry for any hurt that I caused by my uneducated actions. I clearly have a lot to learn and it’s a priority for me that I do this.”

Take That are scheduled to headline BST Hyde Park on July 1st.