Ellie Kemper apologizes for paticipating in "unquestionably racist, sexist and elitist" Veiled Prophet Ball at age 19

USA Today

"I was not aware of this history at the time, but ignorance is no excuse," Kemper wrote in a lengthy statement posted to Instagram one week after her name became a Twitter trending topic after her involvement in the century-old ball resurfaced. "I was old enough to have educated myself before getting involved. She added: "I want to apologize to the people I've disappointed, and I promise that moving forward I will listen, continue to educated myself, and use my privilege in support of the better society I think we're capable of becoming." The actress admitted she faced a "very natural temptation" over the past week "to tell yourself that your detractors are getting it all wrong," but said she values "kindness, integrity and inclusiveness" and "realized that a lot of the forces behind the criticism are forces that I've spent my life supporting and agreeing with."