Popstar and former One Direction member Harry Styles has responded to critiques accusing him of ‘queerbaiting’.
Styles, 28, took on a new style and developed persona after entering his solo career, but fiercely denied that he was profiting from the queer community without identifying as queer.
The English singer-songwriter has an unapologetic attitude when it comes to what he wears on stage, in his personal life and in photoshoots, having been seen proudly wearing gender-fluid and ‘feminine’ clothing, following in the footsteps of rockstars David Bowie and Mick Jagger.
‘Queerbaiting’ is a marketing technique where creators seem to hint at, without actually showing or revealing, LGBTQ+ representation or same-sex romance.
Now, Styles has responded to those saying he is not queer because he’s “only publicly been with women”.
The Watermelon Sugar singer told Rolling Stone: “[…] I don’t think I’ve publicly been with anyone. If someone takes a picture of you with someone, it doesn’t mean you’re choosing to have a public relationship or something.”
Harry Styles responds to those who say he isn’t queer because he’s “only publicly been with women”:
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 22, 2022
“[…] I don’t think I’ve publicly been with anyone. If someone takes a picture of you with someone, it doesn’t mean you’re choosing to have a public relationship or something.” pic.twitter.com/SmGJLxV1yD
Styles, who is currently dating actress and director Olivia Wilde, 38, graces the cover of Rolling Stone UK’s October/November issue.
