Movies

‘Heartstopper’ Kit Star Connor Is ‘Forced’ Out, Fans Show Their Support

November 1, 2022

Fans and the creator of the Netflix series ‘Heartstopper’ are rallying behind series star Kit Connor after the actor shared he was ‘forced’ to come out as bisexual.

The 18-year-old actor made a rare appearance on Twitter on Monday, writing, “Back a minute. I am bisexual. Congratulations on forcing an 18-year-old out of it. I think some of you missed the point of the show. Goodbye.”

Although Connor didn’t elaborate on why he felt compelled to come out, some recently accused the actor of “queerbaiting” on social media. The controversy began after photos were published of him holding hands with Maia Reficco, his co-star in “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow.”

In “Heartstopper”, Connor plays Nick Nelson, a popular rugby player who befriends Joe Locke’s Charlie Spring; the two develop a romantic relationship.

come back for a minute. I am bisexual. Congratulations on forcing an 18-year-old out of it. I think some of you missed the point of the show. bye

—Kit Connor (@kit_connor) October 31, 2022

Alice Oseman, the creator, writer and showrunner of “Heartstopper”, immediately shared her support for Connor in a reply to his tweet.

“I really don’t understand how people can watch ‘Heartstopper’ and then happily spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes,” Oseman wrote. “I hope all these people are embarrassed like FUCK. Kit, you are amazing.

In interviews with VarietyOseman, Connor and star Joe Locke all talked about what they hope the Netflix series, which began production on season 2 in September, can mean for young gay men.

“If ‘Heartstopper’ helps a young queer person in coming out, or if it helps a parent to better understand their child, it’s the most beautiful and heartwarming thing you can hear and it gives the feel like it’s all worth it,” Oseman said.

Connor added, “To have a show where you see queer people being happy and being together and united as a group, I think there’s something really beautiful about it. I think shows like” Euphoria” which are very weird are still very adult in a lot of ways because they’re very dark and gritty. I think it’s really important to have a show that just portrays queer love and queer beauty.

See fan support for Connor below.

I’m so disappointed in this fandom. In three days, we bullied one of the show’s stars on Twitter for no reason, and now we’ve forced the other star to come forward. HS is the warmest and most loving show, but this fandom is extremely toxic. I am so sad and disappointed.

— Alex (@heartstopper987) October 31, 2022

heartstopper was the first thing that made me feel safe and accepted as a bisexual person, and seeing hstwt bully kit connor out is absolutely heartbreaking. it’s the only thing nick nelson was afraid of, and you did it to the person who embodied it.

— bee 🍂 // connor defender kit 🤨 (@darcystrumpet) October 31, 2022

a big big hug to everyone who said kit connor was queerbaiting and even bigger hugs to everyone who wouldn’t leave him alone about his sexuality. an even bigger kiss to anyone who speaks ill of the cast of Heartstopper. kit i love you and we are sorry

— abi ⁷ 🍂 (@bangtwicetea) October 31, 2022

I’m so proud of him for sharing this with us, but fuck everyone who called him a queerbaiter or something. no one should feel pressured to come out, famous or not. the purpose of the crush is not to assume sexualities yet people do that for one of the main actors?? https://t.co/2A7Z3FIx3X

— ez (@loverneIson) October 31, 2022

it’s late but it has to be said. the cast of Heartstopper are not your friends or family. you don’t know them. you don’t. you are not entitled to personal information about them to satisfy you. you have no right to anything over their life. nothing.

— bea 🍂 (@nelsonsprjng) October 31, 2022