Among the many controversies that have defined Azealia Banks’ career, one recurring theme has been her insistence on using a particular anti-gay slur, including last year while freaking out on an airplane. Thankfully, it seems like Banks has finally repented of that particular sin. In a message Friday on Facebook, Banks apologized for her history of using the F-word, noting, “This isn’t a cop out, its just me realizing that words hurt.” She also wrote, “To lose out on a chance to make people feel good and smile and be happy would be the dumbest thing i could do in this lifetime.” Read her whole message below.

Ok, i’m never saying the word F****T ever again. The amount of people that get hurt when i use the word vs. the amount of people i’ve said it to are just not worth it. Honestly… This isn’t a cop out, its just me realizing that words hurt. and while i may be immune to every word and be thicker skinned than most, it doesn’t mean that i get to go around treating people with the same toughness that made my skin so thick. Because, that IS how people get thick skin… by being subjected to name calling/belittlement/abuse and its not fair. Not fair to my fans, not fair to my peers but most importantly, Not fair to myself. By using those words i paint a picture of myself that isn’t the true me. I paint the picture of my upbringings, my neighborhood, my pain, and my misfortunes… I paint the picture of someone who is used to suppressing things, and being defensive. I paint the picture of someone who cannot allow themselves to be vulnerable or at the very least, Happy…. When i am ALL of those things. I’m sweet, i’m kind, i’m caring, i’m generous, i love to make people laugh and above all of it, I LOVE ART. I love to please and inspire others with my music and art the most, More than i love anything in the world. To lose out on a chance to make people feel good and smile and be happy would be the dumbest thing i could do in this lifetime. To end this note i want to SINCERELY apologize to my fans for having let so many of you down over the years. I know that you all want nothing else for me but to see me win, and i thank the many of you who saw the beauty in me and have stuck around this far. The ?#?Kuntbrigade? loves me more than i’ve EVER felt love in my life and it would be so sacrilegious to throw away my blessings that way. when i was a little girl i prayed to god that someone would come along and love me and my wish was granted 100fold. I cherish the #kuntbrigade SOOO FUCKING MUCH, you guys are my rock, I love you guys so much and all i want to do is make you proud.
Love
-AB