IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Kelly Clarkson tempers Ron Paul endorsement

Her tweeted message supporting the congressman was met with angry response from some fans.
/ Source: E!online

To Kelly Clarkson, the Republican presidential field would suck without Ron Paul.

But, the pop star explained adamantly after her endorsement of the Texas congressman was met with many boos and hisses from the peanut gallery, that doesn't mean she endorses the party line.

"I am really sorry if I have offended anyone," Clarkson wrote on whosay, responding to the backlash to her "I love Ron Paul!" Facebook post.

MORE: Which movie star does Daniel Craig think should run for office?

"Obviously that was not my intent," she continued. "I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women's rights, men's rights, white/black/purple/orange rights. I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government and letting the people (all of us) make the decisions and mold our country. That is all. Out of all of the Republican nominees, he's my favorite."

A little background: Clarkson reportedly voted for Barack Obama in 2008 and, last year, she performed for the president, his family and the nation on the America Celebrates July 4th special taped at Ford Theatre.

But while a bunch of, shall we say, concerned citizens took offense at Clarkson saying she would vote for Paul for president if he won the GOP nomination, the haters apparently took no issue with offending right back.

MORE: Coldplay vs. Kelly Clarkson--Who Won?

"Man my eyes have been opened to so much hate tonight," Clarkson's post continued. "If y'all ever disagree with something I say please don't feel the need to attack me. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. Being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you. I was raised to respect people and their decisions and beliefs and I hope you will grant me the same decency. If you don't agree with me simply unfollow me. It's really that easy. I hope you don't because I would love the chance to hear what you have to say but if you're so blinded by hate you can't seek peace and progress then that is your unfortunate prerogative."

As for Paul, his team tweeted, "Kelly Clarkson loves Ron Paul," and linked to her initial statement--"I love Ron Paul... I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance. If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote."

Paul's site also noted a response to Clarkson from fellow singer Michelle Branch: "@kelly_clarkson I wholeheartedly agree. #RonPaul."

And yes, Branch attracted her share of haters, too:

"Hmm. Didn't mean to offend," she tweeted afterward. "I am not racist and am absolutely not a homophobe. Just trying to weed through the non-impressive choices! I should listen to my father who said never to share my beliefs on religion&politics. However I will always share my view on civil rights."

GALLERY: Hollywood Gets Political