Miley Cyrus clarifies that she doesn’t believe people choose their sexuality amid backlash
Update, October 22nd, 10 a.m. EDT: Miley Cyrus has responded to the backlash to the comments she made on her Instagram Live video, and this post has been updated to reflect that.
Miley Cyrus has found herself at the center of another controversy after making questionable comments about her sexuality. On Sunday, October 20th, the “Slide Away” singer hopped on a joint Instagram Live video with Cody Simpson, and while she may have just intended to compliment her new boyfriend, she’s now facing backlash for saying “you don’t have to be gay” because “there are good men out there.”
The video all started with Cyrus giving her fans some dating advice and a little insight into her thoughts on men and relationships.
But, the conversation soon turned problematic when she seemingly attempted to throw shade at her soon-to-be ex-husband, Liam Hemsworth.
The 26-year-old pop star, who came out as pansexual in 2016, briefly dated Kaitlynn Carter following her split from Hemsworth over the summer. However, intended or not, her comments suggest she dated a woman because of the way she was treated by men, adding that she doesn’t have to identify as gay since finding Simpson.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sBHd7JI7_
Check out a clip of Cyrus’s recent Instagram Live below:
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Though we’re assuming Cyrus meant to inspire her fans not to lose hope in finding love, many called her comments insulting and harmful toward the LGBTQ+ community because she basically implied that being gay is a choice. FYI, it isn’t.
Clearly and understandably so, people are very upset.
Miley, this is so not it. Women don’t “have to be gay” because they “can’t find a good person with a d*ck”.
Don’t use the queer community as a stop-gap because you couldn’t find a boyfriend.
People aren’t queer because they “gave up” on men.
This is so insulting. pic.twitter.com/lAzcEjHRcB— Rosie Percy (@rosiepercy) October 21, 2019
Miley Cyrus just told people on Instagram that "you don't have to be gay." So there you have it. The dumbest thing she's ever said. pic.twitter.com/Y7bq9VACEI
— Rae (@konstantly_Rae) October 21, 2019
Damn. In 30 seconds @MileyCyrus managed to burn up all goodwill she'd ever built with queer and trans people.
Not all "guys" have dicks, Miley. Thought you knew better.
You "had to be gay" because men are bad? Do you not realize what an anti-lesbian trope that is?
Gross.
— James Bradford (@jamesebradford) October 21, 2019
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I’m sorry. I’m confused. Did @MileyCyrus really say that she thought she had to be gay because there weren’t any good guys out there? Is she saying she was choosing to be gay? This statement is extremely harmful if true and I hope she clarifies it. pic.twitter.com/3SrRXp55TT
— Allison Eyres (@allisoneyres) October 21, 2019
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/1186229968298299392
On Monday evening, October 21st, Cyrus responded to the social media backlash to clarify her comments.
— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) October 21, 2019
We appreciate Cyrus clarifying her problematic remarks, and we hope she’s more thoughtful in the future.
