Abby Lee Miller owns up to racist accusations made by 'Dance Moms' alum
"Dance Moms" alum Abby Lee Miller has owned up to the allegations that she made racially insensitive remarks.
The fallout started Tuesday when Adriana Smith, the mother of Kamryn Smith, who was seen in season eight, laid out a series of accusations in a lengthy Instagram post.
Adriana Smith claims that the dance instructor said, "I know you grew up in the HOOD with only a box of 8 crayons, but I grew up in the Country Cub with a box of 64 - don't be stupid" along with saying that the reason "you are really here" is because "they need a sprinkle of color."
Smith defended her time on the eighth season, saying she joined the long-running Lifetime series because "I thought with cancer and jail time maybe [Miller] had changed just a little bit," before concluding it "proved that was a complete lie."
Miller, 54, responded to the accusations on Thursday in a lengthy statement of her own.
"I genuinely understand and deeply regret how my words have [a]ffected and hurt those around me in the past, particularly those in the Black community," the "Dance Moms" star announced before personally apologizing to "Kamryn, Adriana, and anyone else I've hurt."
Miller owned up to her actions, saying "I realize that racism can come not just from hate, but also from ignorance" before vowing to educate herself and to "do better."
"I understand that words alone are not enough," she concludes, "I understand it takes time and genuine change."
"Dance Moms" ran for eight seasons on Lifetime. On May 4, Miller announced she was leaving the show.
