John Stamos clapped back at a homophobic Republican congressional candidate, Omar Navarro, who said a gay character in Disney's Cruella "ruined [his] childhood. "
Navarro is challenging incumbent Democrat Maxine Waters to represent the 43rd District of California for the fourth time. Given his three failed attempts to unseat Waters, who is currently in her 15th term in the House, his chances at a congressional victory remain a dismal one.
Over Memorial Day weekend, the GOP politician took to Twitter and grumbled about an original character believed to be gay in the new Cruella de Vil origin story—starring Emma Stone as the titular antagonist based on the animated film, 101 Dalmations.
"The new Disney Cruella with Emma Stone just ruined my childhood with an openly flamboyant gay in the movie," Navarro lamented.
"Disney persist shoving the LGBT agenda down our throat."
Cruella features a flamboyant vintage fashion shop owner named Artie—played by British actor John McCrea—who befriends Cruella and eventually joins her ragtag team of thieves.
Stamos is not in the new Disney movie but is iconically known as the beloved Uncle Jesse from the sitcom, Full House, which originally aired from 1987 to 1995. He later reprised his role for Netflix's Fuller House, which recently ended its five-season run.
The actor was not having the Republican spewing anti-LGBTQ+ lamentations on social media.
So he responded to Navarro's homophobic rant, tweeting:
"If that ruined your childhood, I hope you didn't watch 'Full House'," Three single men, living under one roof, raising kids in San Francisco…"
Twitter users joined Stamos in providing other examples that may have further contributed to the demise of Navarro's childhood.
Twitter did not hold back in their criticism of Navarro's homophobic hot take.
Navarro's criminal record—involving a violation of a restraining order from a former girlfriend—was mentioned.
The Cruella character Artie's sexuality is merely suggested, as has been the case in recent Disney films like in the live-action Beauty and the Beast and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, to subtly promote inclusivity with minor characters hinting at same-sex attraction.
But McCrea gave his personal assessment about his Cruella character's sexual identity.
"It depends on who you're asking I suppose—but for me, yes, it's official: he's queer. But we don't see him falling in love; there's no social aspect to the character. It's not beating you on the head with a stick."
McCrea expressed being delighted in bringing a gay character to life in a Disney film.
"The thought that there might be some kid sitting in the cinema, maybe not even necessarily understanding why or how he identifies with Artie, but just it's a feeling, isn't it?" he told Pride magazine.
The Olivier Award nominee said of his character:
"The thing I admired the most was his philosophy of not being normal. He's trying to live authentically. Be yourself and do what makes you happy, screw everybody else."
"As long as you're not hurting anybody, why shouldn't you be able to live your life in any way you want to?"
Cruella is now playing in theaters and is getting positive reviews among critics and audiences.
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