Elle King has no regrets about discussing her relationship with her father, Rob Schneider. In August, the singer of "Ex's and Oh's" candidly opened up about her challenging childhood, marked by Schneider's absence. In response, Schneider, 60, publicly apologized to King, 35, during an interview with commentator Tucker Carlson, but King wasn't particularly moved by this gesture.
Reflecting on the backlash to her comments, King stated, "People questioned how I could speak about my family, but sometimes it’s necessary to express those feelings to avoid carrying them forever." She criticized Schneider's apology on Carlson's show, suggesting it was insincere and "means nothing."
King clarified that her intention was not to attack her father and that she was surprised by the public reaction to her words. “I never meant to hurt him or go viral; I was simply sharing my truth about my childhood,” she explained.
During her appearance on Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast, King recounted experiences such as being sent to “fat camp,” forgotten birthdays, and long periods of silence with Schneider. She revealed that she often went years without speaking to him, and when she began to find success in music, Schneider contacted her, advising her not to discuss him in public—a request she ultimately ignored.
In the aftermath of King’s revelations, Schneider addressed her on Carlson’s podcast, expressing his love and regrets. He stated, "Elle, I love you, and I wish I had been the father you needed in my 20s. I hope you can forgive me." He reassured her of his unconditional love and concern for her well-being.
King also took the opportunity to distance herself from Schneider's controversial views on the LGBTQ+ community, making it clear she disagrees with many of his statements. She expressed gratitude for the conversation her comments sparked, emphasizing her support for the LGBTQ+ community. "The best outcome is that they know they have an ally in me," she stated, expressing her commitment to being supportive.
As she prepares to release new music, King’s latest single, "High Road," is set to debut on September 20.