Singer Kelly Clarkson defends Ron Paul pick, tells haters ‘unfollow me’

Kelly Clarkson stood by her man this week — Ron Paul, that is, her pick for the GOP presidential nomination.

The singer and first “American Idol” winner continued defending herself Thursday in the wake of a Twitter backlash that followed her endorsement of Ron Paul.

“Ron Paul is about letting people decide, not the government. I am for this,” Clarkson tweeted Thursday. She posted responses through Friday morning to various followers who accused her of supporting a racist, homophobe, or sexist in Paul.

{mosads}While Clarkson initially apologized for “offending anyone” with her tweet — though standing by her endorsement of Paul — she later posted another message blasting the “hateful” reaction:

“Man my eyes have been opened to so much hate tonight. If y’all ever disagree with something I say please don’t feel the need to attack me. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. Being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you. I was raised to respect people and their decisions and beliefs and I hope you will grant me the same decency. If you don’t agree with me simply unfollow me. It’s really that easy. I hope you don’t because I would love the chance to hear what you have to say but if you’re so blinded by hate you can’t seek peace and progress then that is your unfortunate prerogative.”

Singer Michelle Branch, who chimed in with agreement following Clarkson’s initial tweet about Ron Paul, also tweeted Thursday: “I should listen to my father who said never to share my beliefs on religion&politics. However I will always share my view on civil rights.”