Top 20 Celebs Who Shot Down Homophobic Interview Questions
#20: Ariana Grande
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You might remember this as the interview where Grande called out the hosts when they asked her a super sexist question. But, it wasn’t her only clapback in the conversation. During an exchange about the newest emoji updates, Grande singled out the unicorn as one of her favorites. One of the hosts wasted no time implying that the unicorn is beloved only by girls and “boyeez” — whatever that’s supposed to mean. The singer was even faster to fire back and suggested that the “Power 106 FM” hosts brush up on their equality. We commend her for just how calm and easygoing she remained, because we were seething the whole way through.
#19: Ellen DeGeneres
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In a slight deviation from our other entries, this interview sees Ellen discussing Caitlyn Jenner's conservative views with Howard Stern. The former daytime talk show host vented her frustrations over how Jenner sought acceptance for herself after coming out as transgender but drew the line at marriage equality. When Stern asked if the pair danced together, Ellen said they had not, but she wasn't sure whether that was because the former Olympian wasn't much of a dancer or because of DeGeners’ sexual orientation. Sure, Jenner wasn't present for this interview, but if she had been, we have no doubt she'd have been called out by everyone present.
#18: Anna Paquin
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In 2010, "True Blood’s" Anna Paquin came out as bisexual. Apparently, this confused talk show host Larry King, since she's married to Stephen Moyer, a man. Paquin looked taken aback initially, but calmly and politely explained why his assumptions were illogical. The actress did an excellent job of clarifying that one's relationship status isn't necessarily indicative of their sexuality. She also discussed the importance of education and exposure to knock out ignorance. It's hard to tell if she convinced the host since he swiftly changed the subject, but we were cheering her on the entire time.
#17: David Bowie
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When the “Heroes” singer came out in the ‘70s, it seemed like everyone and their mother had an opinion. Publications tried to define his sexuality, and he dealt with some pretty invasive questions. He later told Playboy that he was bisexual and eventually backtracked, calling himself “a closet heterosexual.” Still, Bowie’s journey of self-discovery and fluidity remained of great interest to many. British talk show host Jonathan Ross quite crassly questioned the artist’s sexual orientation when he appeared on his show in 2002. Bowie responded with plenty of wit and sass, ultimately giving Ross nothing, but stealing the show at the same time.
#16: Chris Evans
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In retaliation to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, “Lightyear” creators restored the film’s previously cut kiss between Alisha Hawthorne and her wife. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but it still caused plenty of outrage and led the movie to be banned in multiple countries. When asked about it, the movie’s star, Chris Evans, said that he’s delighted they included it but less pleased by how big a deal the moment was in the first place. He also fired back at the scene’s critics, calling those up in arms “idiots.” Evans certainly doesn’t mince his words, and we’re so here for it.
#15: Ryan Reynolds
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During an interview with “HuffPost Live,” Reynolds was asked about those who stated they were defecting to Canada after SCOTUS ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. This followed a tweet where he hilariously pointed out that it was already legal in his home country. When the reporter asked the actor about his thoughts on same-sex marriage he responded rather endearingly. [1] It seemed like a bit of a pointless question, given his evident support for the LGBTQ+ community. But, if anyone had a shadow of a doubt before, they certainly knew he was an ally after. Just as we thought; we couldn’t love him more!
#14: Jodie Foster
Now, this is a moment that aged like fine wine. Growing up in Hollywood, we can only imagine that Jodie Foster became increasingly exhausted with the relentless interest in her love life. In 1979, at only 17 years old, an interviewer asked her if she had a boyfriend and pressed for more details about her ideal man. It would still be some time until Foster would come out publicly, but that smirk definitely felt like a sneer at the heteronormative assumption. The recently resurfaced clip has been memed countless times and branded as “gay silence.”
#13: Heath Ledger
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In 2005, the late Aussie actor gave an award-winning performance as Ennis Del Mar in the Western romantic drama, “Brokeback Mountain.” Same-sex relationships were rarely spotlighted at the time, even less so in such a mainstream market. During a press junket, a reporter asked the actor to respond to those who branded the movie’s central love story as “disgusting.” Ledger could have let his performance in the film speak for itself, but instead he left no doubt about his feelings. He made it clear he had no time for those kinds of attitudes and highlighted the all-important humanity of the two characters at the center of the story.
#12: Judy Garland
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Once labeled by “The Advocate” as “The Elvis” of the LGBTQ+ community, Garland has always fondly been thought of as a tremendous ally. Take this interview from the 1960s when she was questioned about her gay fanbase. Garland wasted no time maintaining that her art was for everyone. She also politely stated that she wouldn’t stand for anyone coming after her fans. This is the woman who encouraged plenty of queer youth to live their lives openly “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” so we wouldn’t expect any different. Years ahead of her time, Garland was an icon through and through.
#11: Jane Fonda
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In 2020, an interview of Fonda defending the LGBTQ+ community during a 1979 interview resurfaced and went viral. In it, she can be heard warding off a stream of homophobic questions and doubling down on her support. This interview seems to have taken place around the time of the San Francisco White Night Riots that followed the assassination of Harvey Milk, with whom she was reportedly friends. Fonda delivers a masterclass on true allyship and shows that this is a cause she cares for deeply. How she keeps her cool is beyond us because the questions are absolutely awful. But, Fonda’s never shied away from fighting for what’s right, even when she’s standing alone.
#10: Johnny Galecki
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Rumors regarding “The Big Bang Theory” actor’s sexuality have always been rife. However, he never really addressed them. Galecki initially looks confused when the hosts absentmindedly throw his sexuality and relationship status into the conversation. He explains that since there’s not much bad press on him out there, people need to make up stories. Galecki added that he has no reason or desire to respond to those whispers. In hindsight, host Whoopi Goldberg notes the ridiculousness of the conversation. But it’s too late; it’s already out there. Kudos to Galecki
#9: George Michael
The late great George Michael was a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and unapologetic about his sexuality. He used his platform to campaign for causes close to his heart, such as HIV/AIDS awareness. Society and Michael’s career kept him in the closet for years until an incident in 1998 led to his arrest and forced him to come out. In subsequent years,he criticized mainstream media for trying to box the LGBTQ+ community into “doing what makes straight people comfortable.” He also blasted homophobes in many-an-interview. Michael was never interested in their views or perceptions of him beyond his music. He also declared that he has “nothing to apologize for.” Too right, George Michael, too right.
#8: Tom Hardy
Top 10 Celebs Who Shot Down Homophobic Interview Questions
Tom Hardy’s a talented actor who’s given us gripping performances in movies like “Locke,” “Mad Max,” and “The Drop.” However, a reporter from Daily Extra wasn’t interested in any of that. During a press conference promoting Hardy’s “Legend” at the Toronto International Film Festival, a correspondent tried to get Hardy to speak about his personal life. The actor eloquently and calmly called out the invasive question and quickly shut it down. He later explained that he isn’t obliged to answer personal queries and called the question “inelegant and humiliating” and “quite rude.” What’s baffling is that it came from an LGBTQ+ publication. You would think they’d understand how personal sexuality can be. In any case, Hardy’s well-mannered and even-tempered response was perfect.
#7: Paul McCartney
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When you have a musical legend as major as a former Beatle on your show, we imagine you’d have a lot of questions. Asking how rockstar bachelor life compares to marriage probably shouldn’t even break the top 100, but McCartney rolls with it. While his response is very nonchalant the host seems thrown by the idea that the world isn’t entirely heterosexual. McCartney’s dry retort, and his wife’s bemused expression tell us what they think about the boneheaded question. The singer can’t help getting in one final jibe at the presenter before moving the conversation forward. While Snyder’s inquiry was bad, the McCartneys’ response only made us love them more.
#6: Melissa Etheridge
#5: Lady Gaga
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Remember when the media and public obsessed over Lady Gaga’s genitalia? Well, one person who had no intention of jumping on that bandwagon was the “Born This Way” singer herself. She was usually known to crack jokes about these baseless claims with her fans during concerts. And she had the best response to these rumors when she was asked about them during a “60 Minutes Overtime” interview with Anderson Cooper. Rather than confirm whether or not it’s true, she ridiculed the entire conversation. Gaga’s LGBTQ+ fans applauded her for refusing to validate the gossip. They thanked her for standing up for them in a world that tries to shame them for who they are.
#4: Janet Mock
In 2014, transgender activist and director/producer Janet Mock appeared on Piers Morgans’ show to promote her book “Redefining Realness.” However, the presenter seemed more interested in discussing her transition. Morgan showed a disrespectful lack of understanding or compassion for the transgender experience. The “Pose” executive producer called out Morgan for trying to use her life for entertainment value and for his “reductive thinking about gender.” She later appeared on “The Colbert Report” to discuss the contentious interview. In 2017, after the Breakfast Club presenters and their guest Lil Duval made horrendously offensive comments about trans women and mocked her book. This prompted Mock to write a powerful essay for “Allure”. She’d had enough of the ignorance and implored people to educate themselves.
#3: Madonna
Madonna is arguably one of the LGBTQ+ community’s biggest allies. In 1991 while promoting her “Truth or Dare” documentary, the singer was questioned about her openness to sex and sexuality. She said that the lack of conversation surrounding these subjects contributed to some of society’s biggest problems. Madonna hoped her actions and the dialogue they created would better educate young people and help them become more accepting of others. The “Vogue” singer also called out the hypocrisy over the double standards in American media. In another interview, when challenged over how her documentary could offend homophobes, Madonna made it very clear that she couldn’t care less.
#2: Ricky Martin
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In 2010, Ricky Martin decided to live life as an out and proud gay man. But the “Livin’ La Vida Loca” singer often found his sexuality at the center of the rumor mill before this point. In 2000, journalist Barbara Walters tried to push a visibly uncomfortable Martin to address his sexuality in a televised interview. Watching her force him into the hot seat is incredibly painful to watch. Years later, he recalled how violated he felt by her incessant questioning. He added that trying to force someone to come out was just wrong. In 2006 Walters acknowledged that her invasive questions were out of line.
#1: Laverne Cox
This actress and LGBTQ+ activist is a fierce advocate for transgender equality and visibility. Cox never shies away from educating on transgender issues and has no problem putting people in their place when necessary. On one ocassion, she politely explained to Wendy Williams what it means to be transgender while refusing to engage in conversation about her breasts. Cox also clapped back at Travis Weber when he insisted that trans women shouldn’t be allowed to use female bathrooms. However, the most famous occasion might be when she overheard Katie Couric asking model Carmen Carrera inappropriate and uncomfortable questions about her physical appearance. Cox stepped in and respectfully explained why questions like these are problematic.
