The 18-year-old lead actor of the recent hit Netflix series Heartstopper has slammed critics as he comes out as bisexual in a pointed tweet.
British up-and-comer Kit Connor, who plays Nick Nelson Heartstopperreturned to social media after a hiatus from the platform to share a message to those who have “forced” her to come out following accusations of “queerbaiting” and rampant speculation about her off-screen sexuality.
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“Back up a minute. I’m bi. Congrats on forcing an 18 year old to come out. I think some of you missed the point of the show. Bye,” the actor tweeted on Monday, nearly two months after ‘announce your sabbatical on social media.
Connor, who also appeared in the Elton John biopic rocket manrose to fame this year for her role in the groundbreaking Netflix series Heartstopper, which follows high school student Charlie as he explores his sexuality after falling in love with his new friend Nick. An instant hit with viewers, the heartwarming drama was renewed for a second and third season.
The publication of the actor caused a great support from the Heartstopper cast and crew, with the graphic novel series author behind the show, Alice Oseman, responding, “I don’t really understand how people can see Heartstopper and then happily spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes. I hope all these people are embarrassed as F***K. Kit you are amazing.”
Kizzy Edgell, who plays Darcy Olsson in the series, wrote: “I love you kit, I’m sorry you’ve been so disgusting. been treated so unfairly.”
Fans of the series hit back at trolls who pressured the star to open up about her personal life.
“I hope these people feel shame for the rest of their lives because they deserve it. Kit is one of the sweetest people ever and deserves the whole world and certainly not this,” said one .
“Nick Nelson is the character that made me feel so confident in my bisexuality. He showed me that no appearance, mannerism or way of being is a ‘qualifier’ for being gay. It’s who you love. Kit Connor, we are so proud and heartbroken for you,” tweeted another.
Another commented on the “queerbaiting” accusations Connor allegedly faced after the show.
“Queerbaiting is a media term. Real people can’t queerbait. Harassing an 18-year-old until you force him to come out is LOVE. Heartstopper is a beautiful queer show. Kit Connor is a PERSON who should NEVER have to defend against accusations of queerbaiting in this way.”
“Queerbaiting” is a term that refers to when a heterosexual public figure insinuates queerness for publicity.
In particular, this year has seen actor-turned-pop star Harry Styles come under pressure to label his sexuality after years of avoiding identifying as a member of the queer community, despite and which seems to leave indications that he is not heterosexual.
Some say she’s “appropriating” queer culture by wearing skirts and dresses to events and hinting at bi-curiosity in her lyrics and film clips.
Allegations of queerbaiting have dogged the former One Direction member for years, but recently rolling rock interview and his role in the upcoming film my policeman as a queer man in 1957 in Brighton, when homosexuality was illegal, they have rekindled the debate.
talking with rolling rock in August, Styles, who is currently dating Don’t worry honey director Olivia Wilde, disputed the claims.
“Sometimes people say, ‘You’ve only been publicly with women,’ and I don’t think I’ve been publicly with anyone,” he said. “If someone takes a picture of you with someone, it doesn’t mean you’re choosing to be in a public relationship or anything like that.”
Read related topics: Netflix