The U.K. pop group found themselves in the middle of a scandal after an interview with U.K. paper The Sunday Express, in which they made statements that The Anti-Fascist Action organization felt were controversial, Music 365 reports.
Steps member Lee said: "I think there should be more jobs for English people," while fellow Steps singer Claire was quoted as saying: "Why are we paying for all these people to come into the country anyway?"
The group has released an official statement through Jive (the group's record label) that tries to explain their comments.
"Steps, both as a group and as individuals, are horrified at the implication by the AFA that they are racist," it read. "They deplore all forms of discrimination - racist, sexist or homophobic. "The comments made in The Sunday Express were not intended to appear racist and Steps unreservedly apologize for any misunderstanding."
