During a recent episode of "The Shop: Uninterrupted," Lil Nas X opened up to Kevin Hart and others about coming out as gay, and their conversation has ignited an online debate about the stigma of homosexuality.
The musician appeared on the HBO talk show, which aired Tuesday, alongside Hart, Maverick Carter, Rob Gronkowski, Kevin Love, CJ McCollum, Charlamagne tha God and Paul Rivera.
During their chat, Rivera asked the "Old Town Road" singer why he decided to publicly share his sexuality in the midst of his record-breaking run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Before Lil Nas X answered, Hart interrupted, blurting out, "He said he was gay. So what?"
The rapper said he was taught to hate gay people. When Hart asked “why,” Lil Nas X said: “Come on now. If you’re really from the hood, you know.”
Lil Nas X continued to explain he came out during a career high to prove he wasn’t seeking attention. Instead, he said he wanted to show his sexuality “doesn’t really matter.”
Hart later told Lil Nas X he shouldn’t have to defend who he is “in no way, shape or form.”
As clips from the episode began to circulate online, several people criticized Hart, who stepped down as the Oscars host last year because of his history of homophobic comments in his comedy.
Many accused Hart of pretending not to understand homophobia, while others said he was gaslighting Lil Nas X.
Kevin Hart is doing what we as heterosexual men should actually never do in conversations about homophobia: acting completely oblivious to what actually happens in society. Every. Single. Day.
— Love Yo Self ✨ (@MichellCClark) September 4, 2019
Don't make conversations into performances. Listen. https://t.co/jjZqydIZXN
Kevin Hart acting like he doesn’t know why Lil Nas X would be scared to come out is like someone who stole the thing you lost helping you look for it. https://t.co/ZmfRNMktel
— Phillip Henry (@MajorPhilebrity) September 4, 2019
I’m very disappointed that lil nas x was subjected to gaslighting about homophobia in this “conversation.” He shouldn’t have had to defend himself against the obvious like this 💔 https://t.co/LhXZVzkfcs
— ACTUAL BLACK WOMAN (@BrookeObie) September 4, 2019
Some were even upset Hart interrupted Lil Nas X while he was trying to explain his choice.
Why is Kevin Hart interrupting Lil Nas X like that? Simmer down sir. https://t.co/fwHkZ5f06s
— Rebecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) September 4, 2019
I’ve watched the clip several times now and Kevin really comes off poorly here. “He’s gay; so what!” took away Lil Nas X’s ability to say it first for himself and an attempt TO ME to derail and downplay the convo. Like “We know! No need to discuss it. Move on.” It’s not cool.
— April is #StillWithKap (@ReignOfApril) September 4, 2019
Having now watched the entire episode, I’ll say that HBO knew what they were doing by teasing that clip. However, I noted several times where Kevin interrupted the convo on various topics because it felt like it was getting too deep/real. I wish Lil Nas X had spoken more.
— April is #StillWithKap (@ReignOfApril) September 4, 2019
Others applauded Lil Nas X for his response, calling him “courageous” and “wise.”
lil nas x showed admirable resolve there — that he shouldn’t have had to, it should be said — but what i really liked was how he took the steam out of kevin hart with that “if you were really from the hood, you would know.”
— Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson) September 4, 2019
Whew, the gaslighting from Kevin Hart. I keep telling y’all; trash in, trash out. Anyway, I’m so proud of @LilNasX. His calm confidence is impressive. https://t.co/eO1MpEs3B1
— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) September 4, 2019
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