June 4, 2015 3:36 PM EDT
Drake Bell apologized Thursday for an earlier tweet about Caitlyn Jenner that was instantly criticized as offensive.
“I sincerely apologize for my thoughtless insensitive remarks,” the actor and singer wrote on Twitter. “I in no way meant to hurt or demean those going through a similar journey.
“Although my comments were made in innocence, I deeply regret the negative effect they’ve had on so many,” Bell added.
Bell, best known for appearing on the Nickelodeon show Drake and Josh, had tweeted in response to the instantly iconic Vanity Fair cover featuring Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, as a transgender woman for the first time: “Sorry….still calling you Bruce.”
The message, now deleted, immediately sparked backlash on the Internet.
See The Life of Caitlyn Jenner
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