Samuel L. Jackson rejects complaints about alleged ‘homophobic’ tweet
Samuel L. Jackson (John Sciulli/Getty)
Samuel L. Jackson has rejected criticism after a tweet he sent was derided as homophobic.
The Pulp Fiction star sent the angry tweet mocking several Republicans involved in the Trump administration, posting a photo of “after-d**k mints,” a comedy product intended for use after oral sex.
He wrote: “Must have been a party at The White House, Mitch, Paul, Rudy & others were spotted wearing knee pads & carrying these lined up outside.”
The gay sex gag at President Donald Trump’s expense led to anger on the platform from Republicans, several of whom accused Jackson of homophobia.
One wrote: “Wow. Talk about homophobic. And during #PrideMonth. Shame.”
Samuel L. Jackson (Theo Wargo/Getty)
Another user added: “Samuel L. Jackson’s usual charm and bigotry on display when tweeting that people were lined up outside Trump’s door to give him oral sex on his birthday. He meant it as an insult, so there’s homophobic bigotry too.”
Although many LGBT people weighed in to defend Jackson, the spat led to coverage from pro-Trump outlet Breitbart News, which posted an article attracting a slew of racist comments.
Breitbart readers also attempted to report Jackson for ‘hate speech’.
But the actor hit back at criticism.
Samuel L. Jackson (Cindy Ord/Getty)
On Instagram he shared the ‘hate speech’ notification, writing: “Hahahahahahahhahahaah…waymint, hahahahahahahahahawhooooooo…. they just keep tryin’…ahhhhhhahhahahahahahahaha.#prollycan’taffordthemints.”
He also hit out at gossip outlet Deadline when it covered the argument.
Jackson wrote: “Clickbait much?? Slow news weekend?? Here’s a headline, DEADLINE FULL OF SHIT!! FOH!”
The actor is a supporter of LGBT rights.
Jackson was among the many Hollywood celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Stephen Speilberg, and Tom Hanks, to speak up against California’s Proposition 8, a 2008 law banning same-sex marriage in the state.
The actor said the law and its supporters were “misinformed.”
Samuel L. Jackson (John Phillips/Getty)
Speaking in 2013, Jackson said he was hesitant to take one a gay role on-screen.
Asked what he would not do on-screen, the actor said: “Probably dress up as a woman and kiss another guy. I don’t think people want to see me do that.
“[Frequent collaborator Quentin Tarantino] hasn’t asked me, but you know what? If it’s done right and the story is good, I might.”
Jackson did play gay character Tom McCourt in 2016 film Cell, based on the 2006 novel of the same name by Stephen King.
The actor later admitted he had no clue the character was gay when he signed up.
Asked about portraying the character’s sexuality while the film was in development, he said: “I have no idea. I haven’t read the book. Is that character gay in the book?”
