Heartstopper star Kit Connor was forced to out himself as bisexual after receiving harassment from fans.
Taking to Twitter, the Rocketman actor revealed the news in a brief tweet.
“Back for a minute. I’m bi. Congrats for forcing an 18-year-old to out himself,” he wrote. “I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye.”
Shortly after he uploaded the tweet, an array of fans and industry peers flocked to his profile to showcase their support, while also slamming the fans who forced him to come out.
One person wrote: “I’m so sorry this is happening. You don’t deserve this at all. I’m infinitely proud of you and I send you all the love xx.”
Another fan tweeted: “This is awful. I’m so sorry, Kit. No one should have to out themselves unless it’s on their own terms and they’re ready to come out. We love you. You deserve so much better.”
Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman echoed similar sentiments before highlighting the Netflix series’ important message – which was seemingly lost on some of the show’s fans.
“I truly don’t understand how people can watch Heartstopper and then gleefully spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes. I hope all those people are embarrassed as F**K. Kit, you are amazing,” they wrote.
Kizzy Edgell, who stars in Heartstopper alongside Connor, tweeted: “I love you Kit. I’m sorry this has been so disgustingly rough on you. Been treated so unfairly.”
back for a minute. i’m bi. congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself. i think some of you missed the point of the show. bye
— Kit Connor (@kit_connor) October 31, 2022
Openly queer Labour MP Nadia Whittome added: “Being forced to come out is being outed, and it’s disgusting. I’m sorry you’ve been put through that. Sending you so much love and solidarity, Kit.”
Before Connor’s forced admission, fans accused the beloved talent of “queerbaiting” after they began to speculate about his connection with his A Cuban Girls Guide to Tea and Tomorrow co-star Maia Reficco – who’s also openly queer.
Due to the constant harassment, Connor took to Twitter and announced his exit from the platform.
“This is a silly silly app. Bit bored of it now, deleting Twitter,” he wrote.
A few days after his departure, the 18-year-old actor spoke about the situation on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast.
“In regards to my tweets, I just think that there’s a danger with things on social media. In the cast, I’m 18, and we have a few people in their early 20s and even with those older members of the cast, we’re all so young, and to start speculating about our sexualities and maybe pressuring us to come out when maybe we’re not ready,” he explained.
“I mean, for me, I just feel like I’m perfectly confident and comfortable in my sexuality, but I’m not too big on labels and things like that. I’m not massive about that. And I don’t feel like I need to label myself, especially not publicly. That tweet was slightly calling them out but also find it funny.
“It’s 2022, it feels a bit strange to make assumptions about a person’s sexuality just based on hearing their voice or seeing their appearance. I feel like that’s a very interesting, slightly problematic, sort of assumption to make.”
We’re sending all the love and support to Kit Connor.
Latest
