Entertainment
Abbott Elementary star Tyler James Williams clarifies he isn’t gay as he blasts ‘dangerous’ online speculation-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro
‘Being straight doesn’t look one way. Being gay doesn’t look one way,’ he pointed out.
Tyler James Williams pointed out the issue with speculating over someone’s sexuality (Picture: David Livingston/WireImage)
Tyler James Williams has addressed speculation about his sexuality and clarified that he is ‘not gay’.
He also issued a stark warning over forcing a label on someone’s sexuality based on their looks and behaviour, calling it ‘dangerous’.
The Abbott Elementary star, 30, opened up about his sexuality at the start of Pride Month, and amid rumours that he was gay.
Tyler also slammed those who try to ‘catch’ out closeted people whenever they act in a way that they believe is queer.
He began a series of Instagram Stories on Sunday: ‘I’m not gay; but I think the culture of trying to ‘find’ some kind of hidden trait or behaviour that a closeted person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous.
‘Overanalysing someone’s behaviour in an attempt to ‘catch’ them directly contributes to the anxiety a lot of queer and queer questioning people feel when they fear living in their truth.’
The actor, who has been a hit on Abbott Elementary, said that being straight or gay ‘doesn’t look one way’ (Picture: Pamela Littky/ABC via Getty Images)
The Everybody Hates Chris actor has vowed to continue using his platform to be an LGBTQ+ ally however, and to help those going through what he’s been subjected to.
Tyler explained: ‘I’ve been very clear about the intentionality I try to put into using my platform to push back against those archetypes every chance that I get.
‘Being straight doesn’t look one way. Being gay doesn’t look one way. And what may seem like harmless fun and conversation may actually be sending a dangerous message to those struggling with real issues. I refuse to inadvertently contribute to that message.’
Tyler first found fame as a child on sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, where he played the lead role (Picture: Isabella Vosmikova/Paramount Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock)
‘Happy Pride to all of my queer and questioning brothers, sisters, and individuals. I pray that you feel seen in ways that make you feel safe in the celebration that is this month,’ he added.
He then signed off his powerful statement with a promise and a white heart emoji.
‘As an ally, I continue to be committed to assisting in that where I can, and helping to cultivate a future where we are all accepted and given permission to be ourselves.’
With Abbott Elementary co-star and creator Quinta Brunson and their Sag awards for best ensemble in a comedy series (Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
A former child star thanks to his early success playing the young version of Chris Rock in sitcom Everybody Hates Chris for four seasons from 2005, Tyler currently plays tightly-wound teacher Gregory Eddie on hugely popular comedy Abbott Elementary.
He won a Golden Globe for his performance and was also nominated for an Emmy.
In an interview with GQ in March he confirmed he was single, sharing the difficulties he experiences dating.
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‘It makes it hard to be seen,’ he told the publication.
‘I’ve also never gotten a chance to introduce myself to anybody. There’s something that’s really cool about when I look at people and I’m like, “Damn, y’all met and she ain’t know nothing about you. You just were able to give her who you are right now.”’
Abbott Elementary is available to stream now on Disney Plus.
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