Rock legend Carlos Santana paused his New Jersey concert in late July to talk to his audience about an issue that was apparently close to his heart. In a speech that critics attacked as “anti-trans,” the famed guitarist said, “A woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it.”

Attendees at the Atlantic City show said that Santana had paused his set after just one song, addressing the crowd for several minutes before returning to the music. Video of his comments circulated on Thursday.

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Last night at a concert in New Jersey, rock legend Carlos Santana said “when God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are… a woman is a woman and a man is a man.”
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— Greg Price (@greg_price11) August 24, 2023

“When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are,” he began. “Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right. Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man. That’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”

Santana then offered support to comedian Dave Chappelle, who has often been attacked for making similar comments. “I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle,” he said.

The rock legend later provided a statement to Billboard, clarifying his position on the issue — but, as the outlet noted, not walking back the things he had said onstage.

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“Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve every day. I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not,” he said in the statement. “This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift. I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear.”

“It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace,” he concluded.

In the first GOP primary debate, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis touted his law and order record as governor, including his removal of woke prosecutors, and vowed that if he becomes president he will send the U.S. Military into Mexico to kill off the drug cartels wreaking havoc on America.

The 44-year-old governor of America’s third most populated state was asked by moderator Martha MacCallum if he would support sending special forces into Mexico to deal with the cartels.

“Yes, and I will do it on day one,” DeSantis responded. “The President of the United States has got to use all available powers as commander-in-chief to protect our country and to protect the people. So when they’re coming across, yes, we’re going to use lethal force. Yes, we reserve the right to operate. How many more tens of thousands are we going to let die?”

“That is happening all across this country because of the poison that they are bringing in,” he continued. “So as president, would I use force? Would I treat them as foreign terrorist organizations? You’re darn right I would.”

MacCallum asks DeSantis to speak more about his plan to take on the Mexican drug cartels and if that includes "sending U.S. Special forces over the border, into Mexico."He says he would authorize that action "on day one." pic.twitter.com/OGxDdrYz7q

— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) August 24, 2023

DeSantis later sparred with co-moderator Bret Baier over the issue of crime in Florida after Baier claimed that crime was rising in the state.

“Crime is on the rise in Florida, Governor DeSantis,” Baier said. “How do you stop crime?”

“Crime is at a 50-year low, we’re happy with that, statewide it’s at a 50-year low,” DeSantis responded.

Baier interjected, “Not in Miami.”

DeSantis countered by underscoring that “statewide, it’s a 50-year low.”

He went on to say, “These hollowed-out cities, this is a symptom of America’s decline. And one of the biggest reasons is because you have George Soros funding these radical left-wing district attorneys. They get into office and they say they’re not going to prosecute crimes they disagree with. The inmates start running the asylum.”

“When we had two of these district attorneys in Florida, elected with Soros funding, who said they wouldn’t do their job, I removed them from their posts. They are done,” he added. “As president, we are going to go after all of these people because they are hurting the quality of life and they are victimizing innocent people in this country, and it will stop when I get into office.”

DeSantis: "When we had two DAs in Fla., elected w/ Soros funding who said they wouldn’t do their job, I removed them from their post … As president, we're going to go after all of these people because they're hurting the quality of life & they're victimizing innocent people" pic.twitter.com/XKtnN7mump

— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) August 24, 2023