"I have another very controversial statement to make, and I will since I’m 'canceled' anyway..."

Terry Crews has issued an apology and gone on the defensive in response to criticism after saying children need both paternal and maternal love, lest they be “malnourished.”

The actor tweeted the controversial message over the weekend, in response to a New York Times op-ed about former President Barack Obama “scolding” black boys.

Crews took issue with the overall message of the piece, as well as with the fact that it was written by a woman: Derecka Purnell.

Another thing that bothers me is that this OP-ED was written by a WOMAN about how how boys should be taught to grow into successful young men. How would she know? MEN NEED TO HOLD OTHER MEN ACCOUNTABLE. — terry crews (@terrycrews) February 24, 2019

When some questioned why he was suggesting women shouldn’t be allowed to comment on how to raise boys, Crews said, “Women can speak with us. Just not FOR US.” That led to his broaching the topic of same-sex and single parenting, where he stressed the importance of both the typical male and female gender roles being present in the upbringing of children.

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

“I’ve reiterated many times that same-sex couples and single parents can successfully raise a child. But I believe paternal AND maternal love are like vitamins and minerals to humanity. No matter where you get that paternal and maternal love. MY purpose is to give paternal love,” Crews said.

“Love is not gendered, a child will not starve with only one gender loving them,” a Twitter user replied.

“But they will be severely malnourished,” Crews then stated.

The Brooklyn Nine-Nine star deleted his tweets and said he was sorry to anyone who was hurt by his “malnourished” comment, calling it “poorly worded.”

I apologize to anyone who was hurt by my “severely malnourished” tweet. It was in response to someone who said kids wouldn’t “starve”. It was poorly worded so I deleted it. — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 1, 2019

He then went on to debate the importance of male and female role models with those criticizing his comments, as well as retweet those who spoke in favor of his views. A sampling of those tweets follow.

So all the Black kids growing up without dads or paternal love are just fine? So we just let all these dads off the hook? Just because women can do it all alone— and they have done an amazing job— does that mean they should? — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 1, 2019

When you quit speaking for black people…. https://t.co/23dp6XWcqi — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 2, 2019

I understand you trying to cancel the concept of a father but without one YOU WOULDN’T EXIST, SIR. https://t.co/mZfQIiSTiB — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 2, 2019

I explained it just like I meant to. You need both. https://t.co/2aXCUEiHDW — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 2, 2019

I hear you https://t.co/hGjQEFrvUE — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 2, 2019

Thank you sir https://t.co/VdpKWUyFyo — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 2, 2019

You apparently thought I was your puppet. But I have a mind of my own, and can see and think very clearly. The “phobic” tag is the most feared public tag next to racist. I don’t fear it because I am neither. Bullies come in all shapes and sizes. https://t.co/wuBRM2SdEo — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 2, 2019

I have another very controversial statement to make, and I will since I’m “canceled” anyway. As a human being there are things you can only get from your mother. — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 2, 2019

I guess the truth hurts. You have a father. https://t.co/5pcYJLDQfy — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 3, 2019

Again I don’t know you. Thanks but I don’t need your backing, support or help for me to grow. I have my wife @rebeccakcrews for that. https://t.co/vBukATOgVH — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 3, 2019

That is not what he said. And if you read to comprehend instead of to find offense you’d realize that. @terrycrews is a kind, principled, woke man who knows, respects and reveres the strength of every woman ESPECIALLY single moms. If you pay attention, you’d realize that. https://t.co/k8So0Ltx0J — yvette nicole brown (@YNB) March 3, 2019

Not hiding at all. I’m right here, sir. Won’t be the first time a mob with torches come for black people who think for themselves. https://t.co/MS11ZvfiLA — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 3, 2019

I agree. It was the wrong choice of words in response to another tweet. I apologize. The tweet was deleted. https://t.co/5oZF4pjZh1 — terry crews (@terrycrews) March 3, 2019

Several studies over the years have shown that children raised by same-sex parents not only do not suffer as a result, but in many cases do better; as a recent study showed, children of same-sex parents performed better in school than their counterparts raised by a mother and a father.