Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

'Abbott Elementary' Star Explains Why Speculation By Fans That He's Gay Is So 'Dangerous'

Tyler James Williams
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for ELLE

Tyler James Williams is shutting down rumors he's gay, and explaining why it can have a harmful affect on both LGBTQ+ people as well as straight men.

Tyler James Williams recently took to Instagram to address rumors he might be gay, and also comment on the dangers of speculating about anyone's sexuality.

The Abbott Elementary star shared a statement to his Instagram stories, clarifying that despite rumors, he is not gay.


He added how speculating on anyone's sexuality is a harmful practice.

You can see Williams' Instagram post here:

screenshots of Tyler James Williams Instagram Stories post@willtylerjames/Instagram

Williams explained guessing someone's sexuality based on certain traits or behaviors is what often leads to LGBTQ+ people being afraid to openly express themselves, particularly those who might be questioning their sexuality and identity.

He wrote:

"Usually I wouldn't address stuff like this but I feel like it as a conversation is bigger than me."
"I'm not gay, but I feel like the culture of trying to 'find' some kind of hidden trait or behavior that a closeted person 'let slip' is very dangerous."
"Overanalyzing someone's behavior 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."
"It makes the most pedestrian conversations and interactions in spaces feel less safe for our gay brothers and sisters and those who may be questioning."

Williams added publicly speculating on someone's sexuality based on their behavior also perpetuates outdated, harmful gender stereotypes.

"It also reinforces an archetype many straight men have to live under that is oftentimes unrealistic, less free, and limits individual expression."

Williams referred to his notable fashion choices on the red carpet—always following a distinctive style far different from the traditional black tie most men wear to award shows and galas.

He explained he made it his mission to break conventions about how masculinity should be perceived.

"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."

Williams ended his note with a touching nod to Pride month.

He stated as an ally he will continue to support and fight for the LGBTQ+ community so they will one day safely live in a world free of judgment.

"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."

"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."

People took to Twitter to express their support for his statement.

Many expressed their own frustrations over why someone's sexuality should be a talking point.










Williams shot to stardom at the age of 12 whkle playing the title role in the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, loosely based on the childhood of comedian Chris Rock.

Williams told GQ in March his exposure to fame at such a young age resulted in his being in an ongoing state of "hypervigilance."

He continues to struggle with people's preconceived notions about him because of his career.

"I still get triggered by things that are part of everybody else’s childhood."
"Every time someone comes up to me, regardless of what it is they recognize me for, what that says to me in the moment is that I’m seen."
"I have to be on, immediately, because someone’s watching."
"Hypervigilance was one of the things that we had to tackle, because I would be listening to everyone’s conversation in a room."
"I could hear my name being brought up from two, three tables down."
"I could see how many people clocked me when I walked in the door."
"And that’s not healthy."

Abbott Elementary has been one of the most critically acclaimed and beloved sitcoms in recent memory.

Season two broke the hearts of many viewers after central character Janine—played by show creator Quinta Brunson—told Williams' character Gregory she needs some time to herself following an almost torturous "will they/won't they" over the course of the show's first two seasons.

More from Trending

A person cooking with a mis en place
person slicing green vegetable in front of round ceramic plates with assorted sliced vegetables during daytime

Chefs Break Down The Best Cooking 'Hacks' Everyone Should Know

While some people find cooking soothing and therapeutic, others might break into hives at the very thought of it.

Mainly owing to the fact that they don't always find the journey quite worth the payoff of a perfectly cooked roast chicken, or a spongy and creamy cake.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gavin Newsom; Screenshot of Donald Trump
Mario Tama/Getty Images; @atrupar/X

Gavin Newsom Hilariously Trolls Trump For Struggling To Stay Awake During Antifa Roundtable

California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked President Donald Trump for appearing to fall asleep during a White House roundtable about Antifa, which the administration recently designated a "domestic terror organization" even though it's not an organization at all.

Antifa is a loose network of anti-fascist activists with no central structure, no funding, no membership roster, and no offices or leadership hierarchy for prosecutors to target.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshots from @timleesblee's TikTok video
@timleesblee/TikTok

Remote Worker Speaks Out After Job Uses 'Dystopian' Software To Track His Productivity

There are a few vital truths to every office-based job. First, there are going to be "busy work" moments, from meetings to admin tasks to minor side-quest-style projects that add to the company in some small way but otherwise feel like a waste of time.

Second, as human beings, we all need breaks to restore our mental focus, so a person who occasionally scrolls through their personal email, sends a few texts to a friend, or even scrolls Instagram for a few minutes, will likely be more productive than those who attempt to lock in and do nothing but their job throughout their entire shift.

Keep ReadingShow less
Screenshot from @skylr.m's TikTok video
@skylr.m/TikTok

Texas Mechanic Speaks Out After Noticing How The Price Of Services Skyrocketed Within The Past Year

A mechanic in Texas turned heads with his observations about how dramatically prices have gone up in the past year.

TikToker @skylr.m from San Antonio, Texas, admitted that he doesn't know anything "about politics" but felt the price jumps he's been witnessing in real time are "pretty crazy."

Keep ReadingShow less
Tweet and photos from @ZONEofTECH's  Twitter (X) account
@ZONEofTECH/Twitter (X)

Man Hospitalized After Samsung Galaxy Smart Ring Swells On His Finger Before Flight

Most of us have worn a ring at some point in time. If the ring felt a little snug and struggled to pass the knuckle, we might have experienced that irrational fear that the ring might not ever come off again!

But for Twitter (X) user, Daniel, that became a valid concern while wearing his Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Keep ReadingShow less