Oliver Stark has issued a statement after some 9-1-1 fans labelled his recent comments on Buck’s love life as biphobic.
On the latest episode of the popular ABC series, viewers were thrown for a loop when Tommy (Lou Ferrigno Jr.) and Buck (Stark) broke up.
After celebrating their six-month anniversary and ironically bonding over Abigail Clark (Connie Briton) being their ex, Buck asked Tommy to move in with him.
“I want you to move in with me. I’m ready to take the next step and I’m not saying let’s get married or engaged, even though we have the right, thanks to the brave people who came before, including you. All I’m saying is why be apart when we can be together,” the fan favourite character earnestly stated.
In response, the LAFD Air Operations pilot denied Buck’s proposition, telling the former that he “knows how this ends.”
“Look, Evan, you’re an incredible guy. Big-hearted. Hot as hell. Funny. Impulsive. But what you’re feeling right now is new. And it’s exciting, and it feels like forever. But you’re still figuring yourself out, and that’s good,” he explained.
“No matter how bad I want it to be, I’m not your last. I’m your first. If I were to move in with you, you wouldn’t mean to; you wouldn’t plan for it, but you’d end up breaking my heart.”
Shortly after the episode’s release, Stark opened up about Buck and Tommy’s relationship drama with TV Line, telling the news outlet that he didn’t judge the former for his decision.
“I try and look at it from an outside perspective. Tommy is trying to protect himself. This is coming from a place of him not wanting to get hurt,” he explained.
ABC
Stark also discussed his character’s future, expressing hopes for Buck to explore the dating scene in future episodes.
“I text him all the time and just write “hashtag Let Buck F**k,” because I do think he should go out and have some fun. I think he deserves it. He should figure some things out and see what he likes,” he continued.
While it appeared that Stark was calling for Buck to embrace his singledom, some 9-1-1 fans took offence to his comments, describing them as biphobic.
In response to the backlash, the British actor took to Instagram story to clear the air.
“Received a number of comments like this regarding my enthusiasm for Buck to embrace being free and single and go out and enjoy himself now that he has been broken up with,” he wrote alongside a screenshot of an upset viewer.
“1: I would recommend the same if he was coming out of a straight relationship. 2. I don’t think safe and consensual sex when single is a bad thing.
“3. We’ve seen Buck in the early seasons use sex and dating in an unhealthy way. If ever the story was to have him go this route, I would hope to show how those things can be conducted from a much healthier place.”
Towards the end of his statement, Stark apologised to the individuals who were offended by his aforementioned interview.
“The above points mean nothing beyond my intention. If you are hurt then, regardless, I apologise and hope to continue Buck’s story in a way that feels representative,” he concluded.
ABC
Since uploading his statement, an array of 9-1-1 fans have taken to social media to support Stark and express their shock over the biphobic claims.
One fan wrote: “I don’t speak for all bisexuals, but I speak for myself, and Oliver Stark said nothing even remotely biphobic.”
Another fan tweeted: “Oliver Stark did his best to not be rude to a journalist who said biphobic shit into his face and very politely explained that Buck uncovered his sexuality, it didn’t change, he never falls into stupid stereotypes, AND YOU DARE TO CALL HIM biphobic.”
A third fan on Reddit commented: “Oliver has treated this story with so much reverence and effort that it honestly feels insulting to see people try to fling this at him. Especially when at least half the reason for this vitriol is because of a ship war on which Oliver’s feelings have always been abundantly clear.
New episodes of 9-1-1 air every Thursday on ABC.
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