Canadian country music star Chad Brownlee has issued an apology after sharing an image that he says was "wrong, inappropriate and could be perceived as racist."

The British Columbia native posted a since deleted image, which appeared to show billionare George Soros viewing a chess game between anti-racist protestors and COVID-19.

The anti-Semitic post by Canadian Country artist @ChadBrownlee did not go unnoticed before he took it down. @exclaimnews @blogTO @CBCNews Anyone want to pick this up? RT pls. He should have to answer for this. pic.twitter.com/pHPelWRbGH

— Lindsay Dworkin (@L_Dworks) June 3, 2020

After recieving a deluge of social media backlash against the post, Brownlee issued a statement of apology to fans.

"With everything going on in the world, and with so much understandable pain, fear and frustration felt by those outside of the power structures of society, my intention was to highlight that we all need to be more aware of the presence of these power structures and how they impact our lives," he explained. 

I apologize for any hurt this may have caused pic.twitter.com/aA0UWoktjP

— Chad Brownlee (@ChadBrownlee) June 3, 2020

Insisting that he "abhors" racism and anti-semitism, Brownlee continued: "Sadly, I didn't spur the conversation I wanted to. My effort was clumsy and wrong-headed. For all those I hurt or offended I am deeply sorry. I ask for your forgiveness. I will do better."

Hey Chad, I’m from your hometown. Why don’t you try again with a real apology and call your post what it actually was... racist. You apologize if anyone was offended by your racist conspiracy theories? GTFOH

— Johnny West (@johnboywest) June 4, 2020

Despite the lengthy statement, many fans were sceptical about accepting his apology. 

Love the people defending @chadbrownlee by saying "hey, he just made a mistake." It's clear from his comments on instagram that this was thought out. It's not like he accidentally dropped his keys in the toilet. You dont wake up & accidentally express racist & anti-Semitic views

— Jonathan Simkin (@JonathanSimkin) June 4, 2020

Others criticized Brownlee for posting the image after Blackout Tuesday, which was intended as a day of learning and education around the issue of racism.