Heartstopper star Kit Connor says he has been “forced” to come out as bisexual after being accused of queerbaiting.
On Tuesday (1 November), the 18-year-old actor revealed that he’s bisexual on Twitter.
“Back for a minute. I’m bi,” he wrote. “Congrats for forcing an 18-year-old to out himself. I think some of you missed the point of the show. bye.”
In the series, based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novels of the same name, Connor plays the role of Nick Nelson, a star rugby player who begins to question his sexuality when he meets and befriends Charlie Spring (Joe Locke). His character later comes out as bisexual.
The cast of the show also includes Olivia Coleman, Yasmin Finney, Sebastian Croft and William Gao. It was a viral hit on Netflix and has been commissioned for a further two seasons.
Connor did not specify why he felt forced to come out, but he had recently been met with accusations of “queerbaiting” on social media, after photos emerged of him holding hands with his A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow co-star, Maia Reficco.
Many of his co-stars and fans have shared their support for him after reading his tweet, and expressed alarm at the way he was made to disclose such personal information.
“I truly don’t understand how people can watch Heartstopper and then gleefully spend their time speculating about sexualities and judging based on stereotypes,” show creator Oseman wrote.
“I hope all those people are embarrassed as f***. Kit you are amazing.”
“Reading tweets like this is heartbreaking… especially when Heartstopper taught so many people around the world the true value of someone’s personal coming out story,” TV personality Michael Gunning added.
“I’m so sorry you had this moment taken away from you Kit, but let’s hope people will learn from it!”
Kizzy Edgell, who plays Darcy in the streaming series, wrote: “I love u Kit. I’m sorry this has been so disgustingly rough on you. Been treated so unfairly.”
Journalist Max Gao added: “Kit, I’m so sorry that it had to come down to this, because you deserved so much better. You don’t owe anyone anything, but I hope you’re doing okay. Please take care of yourself and know that you are loved.”
The Independent has contacted Connor and Netflix for comment.
