Watch CBS News

Coronavirus Update: Miami Beach Spring Breaker Brady Sluder Issues Apology Over Viral Comments

MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) - Ohio spring breaker Brady Sluder, whose comments on the coronavirus went viral after he brushed off the health risks of the virus saying "if I get corona, I get corona," has issued an apology.

Sluder was partying with his friends on Miami's South Beach on March 17 when he made the now-infamous comments to a Reuters news crew.

"If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I'm not going to let it stop me from partying. You know, I've been waiting, we've been waiting for Miami spring break for a while, about two months we've had this trip planned, two or three months, and we are just out here having a good time. And whatever happens, happens," he said.

Sluder's comments on coronavirus, in which he also said "I'm not going to let it stop me from partying'", drew condemnation on social media where they were viewed by millions.

In a statement posted to his Instagram account on March 22, Sluder apologized, saying: "I wasn't aware of the severity of my actions."

"I wasn't aware of the severity of my actions and comments. I'd like to take this time to own up to the mistakes I've made and apologize to the people I've offended."

"Like many others, I have elderly people who I adore more than anything in the world and other family members who are at risk, and I understand how concerning this disease is for us all. Our generation may feel invincible, like I did when I commented, but we have a responsibility to listen and follow the recommendations in our communities. I will continue to reflect and learn from this and continue to pray for our well-being. I deeply apologize from the bottom of my heart for my insensitivity and unawareness of my actions."

RELATED:
Current Curfews In South Florida
Drive-Through Testing Locations
Coronavirus, Pandemic, Quarantine, Social Distancing: All The Terms You Need To Know
Washing Your Hands Is Best Defense Against Coronavirus, Not A Facemask 
Track The Spread Of The Coronavirus In Real Time
Think You Have Coronavirus? Call Florida's COVID-19 Hotline Before Going To Doctor Or ER

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.