Lil Nas X gives us all a lesson in humility over Kevin Hart’s comments on his sexuality
Lil Nas X arriving at the MTV VMAs 2019. (Getty)
Lil Nas X continues to be the LGBT+ hero we need but don’t deserve.
The ‘Old Town Road’ rapper said he’s “not mad” at Kevin Hart, after the comedian repeatedly interrupted him during a conversation about his sexuality.
Hart suffered a fierce backlash after butting into Lil Nas X while he spoke about coming out as gay, and asking him to explain the basics of homophobia.
Speaking on Hoodrich Radio, Lil Nas X attempted to diffuse the row.
“No, I’m not mad at Kevin Hart,” he said.
I’m just here to be funny and laugh.
“A lot of situations are like that, I don’t try and get into these situations because online I’m just here to be funny and laugh.
“So I’m not trying to put nothing, I’m not trying to say anything, because you say anything, your words get twisted, and then you’ve got to say something about that, and it’s just on and on… so no, I’m not mad at Kevin Hart.”
Lil Nas X ‘gaslit’ by Kevin Hart.
Hart was accused of gaslighting Lil Nas X after he questioned why a black man might find it difficult to come out as gay.
The ‘Old Town Road’ rapper was explaining how he grew up hating “this s***”, when Hart interjected: “Hate what?”
Kevin Hart: If I can prevent my son from being gay, I will… Every kid has a gay moment but when it happens, you’ve got to nip it in the bud!
Also Kevin Hart: Why? Why? ‘Why are you raised to hate homosexuality?’
This is what homophobic gaslighting looks like. https://t.co/RIXxMJHI1r
— Decolonially Queer (@decolonialqueer) September 4, 2019
As Lil Nas X explained: “Homosexuality. Gay. Gay people.” Hart continued to ask:“Why? Why you gonna have to hate it?”
“Come on, now. If you’re really from the hood, you know,” Lil Nas X replied. “You know like it’s not something…”
Kevin Hart lost Oscars gig over anti-gay comments.
Many were confused by Hart’s apparent lack of awareness about homophobia, being as the actor was forced to step down from hosting the 2018 Oscars over his own “insensitive words” towards the LGBT+ community.
After Hart was announced for the prestigious gig, a series of historic tweets resurfaced, including one from 2011 in which he wrote: “Yo if my son comes home & try’s 2 play with my daughters doll house I’m going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice ‘stop that’s gay.”
It was a topic he had previously covered in a 2010 standup special, in which he said: “One of my biggest fears is my son growing up and being gay. That’s a fear. Keep in mind, I’m not homophobic, I have nothing against gay people, be happy. Do what you want to do. But me, being a heterosexual male, if I can prevent my son from being gay, I will.”
After heavy criticism, Hart announced he would step down.
“This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I sincerely apologise to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”
