What did Ellie Kempers co-star Tituss Burgess say about the Veiled Prophet Ball scandal?
ACTRESS Ellie Kemper came under fire after a photo resurfaced of the then 19 year old actress being crowned Queen at a ball with a racist history. Kemper has since apologized and her African American co-star Tituss Burgess has now addressed the issue. Burgess voiced his support for his Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt co-star. Kemper issued an apology on social media for her participation in the Veiled Prophet Ball in 1999. Shortly after the actress issued her statement, Burgess re-shared the post on Instagram along with a caption commending Kemper. "I love my Ellie, Oh, & P.S. Next time, just ask me, Ill tell ya what to do." Kemper replied to his post writing: "I love you Tituss." After several days of silence, Kemper addressed the scandal with a well-thought-out Instagram post on Monday reading:  "Hi guys  when I was 19 years old, I decided to participate in a debutante ball in my hometown," the actress wrote. "The century-old organization that hosted the debutante ball had an unquestionably racist, sexist, and elitist past. 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." 4 Kemper and Burgess starred on the show for four years Credit: Getty  Kemper grew up in one of the wealthiest families in Missouri being the descendant of banker, insurance man, and railroad magnate William Thornton Kemper Sr.  She continued: "I unequivocally deplore, denounce, and reject white supremacy." But the comedian recognizes her place in the world saying: "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." She voiced her support for equality: "I believe strongly in the values of kindness, integrity, and inclusiveness." "I try to live my life in accordance with these values. If my experience is an indication that organizations and institutions with pasts that fall short of these beliefs should be held to account, then I have to see this experience in a positive light." Fair St. Louis, held every Fourth of July, was originally called the Veiled Prophet Fair when it first began in 1878. Grain executive and former Confederate cavalryman Charles Slayback began the celebration as a secret society celebration inspired by Mardi Gras. However, some historians also connect the celebration to "a response to growing labor unrest in the city, much of it involving cooperation between white and black workers." After the negative attention that the event drew with Kemper's scandal, it "could be canceled" this year. Most read in Celebrity Exclusive KIM'S MAN PLAN Kim 'wants to date a powerful man' but hopes ex Kanye West 'moves on first' TRIBUTE What to know about Rolandas Juodvalkis life Live Blog READY FOR LIFTOFF Tayshia's ex Blake Moynes makes surprise appearance on Katie's season KOURT IT OUT! Kourtney shares bizarre photo of Travis' BLOOD in a vial SSSPEARS Britney shocks fans with tight bodysuit and calls herself a 'motherf***ing snake' HARDBALL Meet Bachelorette star Mike Planeta  The event is typically held during the week around July 4th but has yet to be confirmed for this summer. When asked if the ball would be happening and with only weeks left until Independence Day, a spokesperson for the event exclusively told The Sun: We continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation in the United States and Missouri. The safety of our guests and staff is our greatest priority. We will make a decision regarding this event at a later date with guidance from local and national health professionals.