You would think the Kevin Hart debacle last year would have been a teaching moment for comedians.
Jess Hilarious is generally the ringleader of the jokes, however today Jess is facing growing social media backlash over a comment that she left on Instagram in response to a person who attempted to check her on her own comments left on social media. It really makes no sense, but for context purposes, we’ll to explain anyway.
Taylor Gray threw a slight insult at the comedian by, saying: “Imagine having to comment on TheShadeRoom 24/7 to keep the lights on.” o which Jess felt it appropriate to clap back saying, “Imagine it, f*ggot.”
So this happened. pic.twitter.com/dMVqLOF2Mk
— Taylor Gray (@officialtaygray) February 4, 2019
On his part, Gray said he shared that comment because of mean-spirited things Jess directs at other people, particularly making fun of Demi Lovato’s addiction.
For added context, I said what I said Bc of her consistent disgusting comments about others, like below. I don’t come for ppl for no reason pic.twitter.com/5PZkIvILvw
— Taylor Gray (@officialtaygray) February 4, 2019
Needless to say, many social media users are offended considering Jess does have many loyal fans in the LGBTQ community. While some may argue that Gray opened the door for disrespect, when he “came for” Jess, we also have to keep in mind the social climate that we’re in. Jussie Smollett, an openly, gay black man was recently physically attacked simply for the intersection of both these identities. The idea that Jess has to comment on The Shade Room for money is certainly to be taken as an insult, but also isn’t necessarily real or true…Gray’s sexuality, is very real.
After the backlash started to gain momentum, Jess Hilarious issued an apology in the form of a video.
“Listen, I have NEVER been homophobic in my fucking life. I love gay people as they love me. Yesterday I called a young man a “faggot” For disrespecting me. And for that, to the LGBT community I sincerely apologize. However if I feel disrespected and that someone hit below the belt, whether they are gay or not, I’m going to return the same energy. I’m trying to control my anger at this point in my career By being more positive, but just like anybody else, it’s a growing process. I ask that the LGBT 🏳️🌈 gives respect as they want it. If you feel as if you can’t forgive me and I am still canceled on your watch I totally understand 🌈 Still Love you guys” she captioned the video.
While I wouldn’t go as far as calling Jess homophobic, I do for context purposes want to explain to hear and readers why one may think so. Using a homophobic slur at what seems your first opportunity, is questionable. If a Black person offended a White man and his immediate rebuttal was n*gger, we know he would be a racist. And the same is true here. The use of someone’s sexuality as an insult is homophobic. You’re using it with a negative connotation. In the black community, we do use many words without thought on the true meaning or what we’re doing when we use them (the “n-word”) for example. So this can certainly be viewed as another teaching moment and example of that. What do you guys think? Are you mad at Jess Hilarious? Peep the receipts and social media reactions below:
"I'm not homophobic!! I just use slurs when someone makes me sad"
— quinn hansen (@VPhoebiden) February 5, 2019
Why are people so adamant about tearing down #JessHilarious ? Yes what she said was homophobic, but don't act like y'all don't be calling each other bitches and hoes. Are you a misogynist? We have to stop canceling out the people and just focus on the behavior and mentality
— BLXK FRANKeNSTINE(@Jermani_King) February 5, 2019
"Ihave NEVER been homophobic in my life, except when I use homophobic slurs in attempt to attack a gay man because I didn't like the shade he threw"
Cancellation is a good start, you releasing an actual apology would be decent second step.
— Impeach45 (@MAGAdrumpf) February 5, 2019
Like you said, if they call people names then they will get the same in return PERIODTT..womenare called BITCHES everyday and no one finds that unacceptable ..you get the same energy you give..thissensitive ass world is aggy. Calling someone a faggot doesntmake u homophobic
— Mekia(@mommie1981) February 5, 2019
Jess “Hilarious” should’ve just wrote “I said what I said” and left it at that.
Stand up in your homophobia folks
— Your Fave(@PartitionBeat) February 5, 2019
“I’m not homophobic except when I’m being really homophobic and then imsorry so it doesn’t count so let’s forget my homophobia until I let some shit slip again.”
— 1 Dad At A Time (@DPB0101) February 5, 2019
you could’ve dragged him without using a HOMOPHOBIC slur sis. but go awfsweaty. work on that tired as$ apology. pic.twitter.com/KvHZcXJ8xX
— αиgєℓ (@cumoncones) February 5, 2019
If we have to be honest – and I know people are gonnaroll their eyes or try to combat this – Jess Hilarious thought she could say these homophobic remarks BECAUSE of Kevin Hart.
— Multipotentialite. (@JuwantheCurator) February 5, 2019
