(RED) explains away Bono's 'criticism' of Apple as 'faux outrage,' thanks company for support

In a blog post on Wednesday, (RED) clarified that Bono was merely expressing "faux outrage" at Apple for its unwillingness to take credit for millions of dollars' worth of donations made through the (Product)RED program, saying the comments were made in jest.

During an interview at the Cannes Lions festival, Bono called Apple "annoyingly quiet" about its philanthropic efforts, which has so far raised $75 million for the (RED) Global Fund. The singer was on hand to receive the annual Cannes LionHeart Award for his contributions to the fight against AIDS.

"This is modesty run amok," Bono said at the time. "This is the Apple way. They're like a religious cult."

From (RED)'s statement:

Bono has been one of Apple's biggest supporters, pushing back publicly on those who have made negative assumptions about the company's charitable work, simply because they don't shout it from the rooftops. That modesty is their right, and in many ways admirable.

Bono's comments were made in the presence of longtime friend and Apple SVP of Design Jony Ive, who characterized his company's partnership with (RED) as "really, really special to us."

The blog post went on to thank Apple, Steve Jobs, Tim Cook and Ive for "the game-changing impact they have made for (RED) and the fight against this disease."