The Office actress,, who recently made headlines after photos of her participating in a debutante pageant with racist ties surfaced, admits she should’ve known better.
The photos showed Kemper being crowned the new Queen of Love and Beauty at the Veiled Prophet Ball in St. Louis, according to TMZ. The winner is crowned by the “Veiled Prophet,” dressed in robes that resemble those of the KKK. The pageant was established by a former Confederate officer in Kemper’s hometown of St. Louis and dates back to the late 1800s.
“The century-old organization that hosted the debutante ball had an unquestionably racist, sexist, and elitist past. I was not aware of this history at the time, but ignorance is no excuse. I was old enough to have educated myself before getting involved,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I unequivocally deplore, denounce, and reject white supremacy. At the same time, I acknowledge that because of my race and my privilege, I am the beneficiary of a system that has dispensed unequal justice and unequal rewards,” Kemper continued.
Historians have refuted the ties to the KKK, noting the outfit pre-dates the timeframe KKK members started wearing robes and hoods. The KKK began the tradition in the 1900s.
Kemper finished her post by apologizing and taking accountability, promising to educate herself moving forward.
“I want to apologize to the people I’ve disappointed, and I promise moving forward I will listen, continue to educate myself, and use my privilege in support of the better society I think we’re capable of becoming.”
Aside from The Office, Kemper is known for roles in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Bridesmaids.
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