Nicole Scherzinger sets record straight on Trump 'support' after sparking fury with Russell Brand comment: 'Made a mistake'

The comment, which has since been deleted, sparked outrage among fans who interpreted it as support for Trump, coming just after his defeat of Kamala Harris in one of the closest presidential races in US history.

Scherzinger's remarks particularly angered supporters given the post's timing on election day.

The backlash was particularly intense on social media, with fans expressing disappointment in Scherzinger's apparent political alignment.

"Nicole Scherzinger cosplaying as liberal all these years meanwhile here she is commenting on... Russell Brand's post like a full-blown conservative pick-me girlie," wrote one user on X, formerly Twitter.

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A post shared by Russell Brand (@russellbrand)

Theatre fans suggested the controversy could impact her Tony Award prospects for Sunset Boulevard.

"Well the Best Actress Tony race just got a little less competitive," wrote Time Out New York theatre critic Adam Feldman.

Some theatregoers indicated they would no longer see Sunset Boulevard, with one fan writing: "Finding out Nicole Scherzinger is a Trumper today doesn't upset me as I don't really care about her. But oddly, just like that, I no longer have any desire to see Sunset Boulevard."

Brand's post featured him holding a red cap styled after Trump's signature "Make America Great Again" merchandise, but with "Make Jesus First Again" written on it, alongside the caption "God Bless America."

The comedian has previously expressed strong support for Trump, stating in June that "if you care about democracy, I don't know how you could do anything other than vote for Trump".

Brand is currently under investigation following multiple sexual assault and rape allegations, with police having handed the case to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider charges.

Trump himself has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and was found liable for sexual abuse of writer E Jean Carroll in May.

In a lengthy Instagram story post, Scherzinger addressed the controversy, writing: "I deeply apologise for the hurt caused by my recent engagement with some social media posts."

She explained that she "made the mistake of not realising that they could be easily interpreted as being politically related" and apologised to anyone who "understandably reached that conclusion".

The singer emphasised her support for marginalised communities, stating: "Many of the marginalised communities feeling hurt and concerned by the results of the presidential election are people I care about most."

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She clarified that her engagement with the post was about faith rather than politics, saying she "believed that the posts I engaged with were about encouraging people to choose love and faith".

Scherzinger's apparent support for Trump contrasts with her previous political stances.

She had endorsed Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, appearing in will.i.am's "Yes We Can" music video inspired by Obama's New Hampshire primary speech.

The singer has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, penning a "love letter" to the community through Billboard in 2017, praising them for "standing strong against adversity."

While Scherzinger has avoided identifying as a feminist, saying instead "I'm just for women," she has taken public stances on various social issues.

Her fellow Pussycat Dolls bandmate Jessica Sutta, however, has long endorsed the Republican Party and celebrated Trump's recent victory.