CeeLo Green has apologized to rappers Nicki Minaj, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion after quotes from a recent interview — where he refers to their music as “desperate” and “salacious” — went viral.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding with a quote taken from an interview I did a few days ago while promoting my new project. Firstly, I’m an advocate of artistic freedom and expression as well as a fan of Nicki, Cardi & Meagan,” (sic) he began on Instagram. “I know most of them personally and consider Cardi & Offset family. Therefore, I would never disrespect them all as powerful, beautiful and influential women … and professionals.”

“I wholeheartedly apologize to each of them for the inconvenience they have been caused due to a snippet of my interview being used as a headline, and in turn creating controversy and disconnect between me and these ladies as well as their fans,” the Gnarles Barkley artist continued.

“Know that I support everyone who is part of our community & culture,” he concluded. “Always have and always will! Much love to all of the female artists who are running the game and handling their business.”

His original statement stemmed from being asked if he believes Minaj is a role model by Far Out magazine.

“You have the ‘Heads of State,’ like Nicki Minaj or someone who is up there in accolade: success, visibility, a platform to influence,” he said. “Nicki could be effective in so many other constructive ways, but it feels desperate.”

He went on to add that “WAP” collaborators Cardi and Megan may be attempting to out-raunch the competition.

Warning: Explicit Content

“Attention is also a drug and competition is around. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, they are all more or less doing similar salacious gesturing to kinda get into position,” he continued. “I get it, the independent woman and being in control, the divine femininity and sexual expression. I get it all … [but] it comes at what cost?”

Speaking more generally, the “F–k You” singer added that he feels music today is, “very unfortunate and disappointing on a personal and moral level,” describing much of it as “shameless” and “sheer savagery.”