'Office' Star Ellie Kemper Apologizes For Past Participation In Controversial Debutante Ball

Ellie Kemper has addressed her participation in a controversial debutante ball in Missouri over two decades ago.

The "Office" star, 41, came under fire last week when photos surfaced on social media of her being crowned the "Queen of Love and Beauty" at the Veiled Prophet Ball, now called the Fair Saint Louis, in 1999. Originally co-founded in the late 1800s by former Confederate officer Charles Slayback and other prominent St. Louis residents, the Veiled Prophet Organization only permitted white people to participate up until 1979, according to People.

Kemper released a statement on Instagram Monday in response to the backlash from her photos.

"Hi guys — when I was 19 years old, I decided to participate in a debutante ball in my hometown. The century-old organization that hosted the debutante ball had an unquestionably racist, sexist, and elitist past," the "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" star wrote. "I was not aware of this history at the time, but ignorance is no excuse. I was old enough to have educated myself before getting involved."

"I unequivocally deplore, denounce, and reject white supremacy," Kemper continued. "At the same time, I acknowledge that because of my race and my privilege, I am the beneficiary of a system that has dispensed unequal justice and unequal rewards."

Addressing the backlash, Kemper admitted that she initially felt that her critics may have gotten it "wrong." However, she said she realized last week that "a lot of the forces behind the criticism are forces that I've spent my life supporting and agreeing with."

The actress made it clear that she believes in "the values of kindness, integrity and inclusiveness" and will hold herself accountable for her actions.

"I want to apologize to the people I've disappointed, and I promise that moving forward I will listen, continue to educate myself, and use my privilege in support of the better society I think we're capable of becoming," she added.

The Veiled Prophet Organization previously released a statement to People on June 1 denouncing racism.

"The VP organization is dedicated to civic progress, economic contributions and charitable causes in St. Louis," the statement read. "Our organization believes in and promotes inclusion, diversity and equality for this region. We absolutely reject racism and have never partnered or associated with any organization that harbors these beliefs."

In a separate statement sent to the outlet Monday, the organization acknowledged its past and apologized for the "actions and images from our history."

The organization continued, "Our hope is that moving forward, the community sees us for who we are today and together we can move this region forward for everyone. We are, and always will be committed to the success of the region and making St Louis a better place to live for all."