Kelly Clarkson accused of supporting racism

KELLY Clarkson hit a sour note with her fans after throwing her support behind Ron Paul in the Republican presidential primary.

The American Idol winner tweeted to fans: "I love Ron Paul ... if he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he's got my vote. Too bad he probably won't."

But her praise has angered fans, who have called her homophobic and racist for supporting the congressman, who has come under fire for racially derogatory comments contained in newsletters he published around 20 years ago.

"Wow, so a pop star endorses a lunatic racist, homophobe and anarchist? Kelly Clarkson, you need to look at Ron Paul closely," one Twitter user wrote.

Another added: "That's too bad that Kelly Clarkson had to open her mouth about endorsing Ron Paul."

Clarkson took to her blog clarifying: "I do not support racism. I support gay rights, straight rights, women's rights, men's rights, white/black/purple/orange rights.

"I like Ron Paul because he believes in less government ... Out of all of the Republican nominees, he's my favorite."

Who is Ron Paul: Find out here

The Texan singer issued a follow-up message that "being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you".

"If y'all ever disagree with something I say please don't feel the need to attack me. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect."

She later wrote that she should have heeded the advice of her dad, "who said never to share my beliefs on religion & politics. However I will always share my view on civil rights."

A CNN/Time/ORC poll released on Wednesday puts Pa! ul in a close second place behind former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney in the Iowa caucuses.

On January 3 the heartland state casts the first-in-the-nation votes in the contest over which Republican will square off against President Barack Obama in November 2012.

Clarkson has said she's a Republican but she voted Democrat in 2008. She performed at a July 4th gala for President Obama and First Lady Michele Obama in 2010.