Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of the iconic R&B group TLC is speaking out after facing backlash over reports that she donated money to organizations linked to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.
The controversy erupted after federal records revealed that Thomas contributed roughly $900 to $1,000 to Republican fundraising platforms, including groups associated with Trump’s reelection effort.
Denies Being a Trump Supporter
In a statement posted to Instagram, Thomas firmly denied claims that she supports Trump or aligns with the MAGA movement.
“I want to be clear: I am not MAGA,” she wrote, adding that she does not support policies she believes are harmful to Americans.
She emphasized that her values and past actions—including prior support for Barack Obama and Michelle Obama—do not reflect the political stance many assumed following the donation reports.
Explains Donations as a Mistake
Thomas said the donations were not politically motivated, but instead the result of a misunderstanding. According to her, she believed the contributions were going toward charitable causes.
“I did not read the fine print,” she explained, saying she thought the funds were supporting initiatives tied to veterans and anti-human trafficking efforts—issues she says are personally important to her.
A representative later added that some of the contributions may have been set up as recurring payments, further complicating the situation.
Social Media Backlash and Skepticism
Despite her explanation, the response online has been mixed. Some fans have accepted her clarification, while others remain skeptical, questioning how multiple donations could be made unintentionally.
The situation was further fueled by a separate controversy in which Thomas briefly reposted a conspiracy theory about Michelle Obama. She said that the incident was accidental, blaming a mistake while using Instagram and reiterating her respect for the former First Lady.
Looking Ahead
Thomas has asked fans for grace as she navigates the backlash, calling the situation a learning experience. The controversy comes as TLC prepares for upcoming tour dates, placing additional public attention on the singer’s response.
While the debate continues online, Thomas maintains that her intentions were rooted in charitable giving—not political support.
