Caleb Kennedy will no longer be on American Idol after a controversial video surfaces

“American Idol” finalist Caleb Kennedy is exiting the ABC show after a social media post resurfaced depicting him sitting next to and filming someone wearing what appears to be a Ku Klux Klan hood.

With 16-year-old Kennedy no longer in the competition, Sunday’s episode will feature the show’s top four singers with one contestant elimination.

The video in question shows a younger Kennedy sitting next to a person who is wearing a white hood similar to those adopted as a symbol of hate by the white supremacist domestic terrorist group Ku Klux Klan.

In a statement on his social media, Kennedy, native of Roebuck, South Carolina, addressed the video and his elimination from “American Idol.”

“Hey y’all, this is gonna be a bit of a surprise, but I am no longer gonna be on ‘American Idol.’ There was a video that surfaced on the internet and it displayed actions that were not meant to be taken in that way,” Kennedy wrote. “I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse. I wanna say sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down. I’ll be taking a little time off social media to better myself, but saying that, I know this has hurt and disappointed a lot of people and made people lose respect for me. I’m so sorry! I pray that I can one day regain your trust in who I am and have your respect! Thank you for supporting me.”

In a statement to the Herald-Journal, Kennedy’s mother, Anita Guy, said that the video was taken when Kennedy was 12, after watching the film “The Strangers: Prey at Night,” in which a character wears a hood over his head.

“I hate this has happened and how Caleb is being portrayed by people online,” Guy said. “This video was taken after Caleb had watched the movie ‘The Strangers: Prey at Night’ and they were imitating those characters. It had nothing to do with the Ku Klux Klan, but I know that’s how it looks. Caleb doesn’t have a racist bone in his body. He loves everyone and has friends of all races.”

Kennedy is a country singer, performing covers of Willie Nelson and Jason Aldean on “Idol,” as well as a few of his own original songs. He survived the latest cut on the show, from seven to five finalists, on Sunday night.

Scotty McCreery’s phenomenal performances on season 10 of American Idol

Scotty McCreery wins season 10 of American Idol

One of the greatest additions to country music is Scotty McCreery. You can watch his stunning performances as he progresses and ultimately becomes the winner of American Idol Season 10! 

A video montage of American Idol winner Scotty McCreery’s performances throughout season 10 of American Idol from the Top 24 to his winning moment.

 Song List: 

Letters From Home 

The River 

Can I Trust You With My Heart 

For Once In My Life 

Country Comfort 

That’s All Right 

I Cross My Heart 

Swingin 

You’ve Got A Friend 

Up On The Roof (Duet with Lauren Alaina) 

Gone 

Always On My Mind 

Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning) 

Young Blood 

Amazed 

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not 

She Believes In Me 

Gone (Reprise)

Check Yes Or No 

I Love You This Big 

I Love You This Big (Winning Moment)

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