Warning: This article discusses suicide.
Irish songstress Sinead O'Connor has caused outrage after saying that she "never wants to spend time with white people again", on Twitter.
The 51-year-old, who now goes by the name Shuhada' Davitt, announced that she had converted to Islam in October.
O'Connor has now taken to social media to label non-muslim people "disgusting".
"I'm terribly sorry. What I'm about to say is something so racist I never thought my soul could ever feel it," she tweeted.
"But truly, I never wanna spend time with white people again (if that's what non-muslims are called).
"Not for one moment, for any reason. They are disgusting."
The 'Nothing Compares 2 U' singer has battled mental health issues in the public eye several times in recent years, including an posting an emotional video in which he said she was suicidal.
Her latest comments have garnered a raft of responses, ranging from concern to anger.
"So NOT ironic that you begin your 'spiritual rebirth' by denouncing a whole race of people," one Twitter user replied.
"I mean if you truly want to find 'disgusting', look no further than the words you speak here."
"Islam does not allow you to be a racist," one comment pointed out.
"You can't judge millions because of a few, whatever colour they may be."
Many fans of O'Connor implored her to seek help, chalking the incendiary comments up to continued mental health issues.
While the singer's tweets are peppered with apologies and pleas for forgiveness, she has not backed down on her position.
"Forgive me. Sometimes the Lord needs dirty workers ," she wrote, using the hash tags: #NotAsF**kinCrazyAsSheLooks and #TrustMeIAMaSoldier.
O'Connor pinned her "final word" to the top of her Twitter profile in a tweet that reads: "If it's 'crazy' to care. Then by all means, spank my ass and call me Fruity loops."
In Arabic, the singer's new name Shuhada can be translated to the word 'martyr', while Davitt is the name she gave herself when she first changed her name in 2017 to Magda Davitt.
Where to find help and support:
- Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
- Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666
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