Everybody hates Chris star shuts down rumours

30-year-old actor Tyler James Williams took to his Instagram page to address the rumour of him being gay. The star rose to fame when he took on the role of Chris on a sitcom in 2005. The sitcom Everybody Hates Chris solidified his status as a child actor. Tyler is now portraying the role of an elementary school teacher in Abbott Elementary, which is a mockumentary sitcom. His portrayal of the character has won him a Golden Globe award.

On Sunday, Tyler posted a series of Instagram stories in which he addressed his sexuality. In the stories the star clarified that he is not gay and branded speculations as dangerous. Tyler wrote, “Usually, I wouldn’t address stuff like this, but I feel like it is a conversation bigger than me. I’m not gay, but I think the culture of trying to find some kind of hidden trait or behaviour that is a closed person ‘let slip’ is very dangerous”. The star has kept his dating life private, but he has been linked to a few actresses, which he never confirmed to have dated any.

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The star expressed that overanalysing people’s behaviour as an attempt to catch them contributes to people’s anxiety. Thus, this may lead to fear for queer people. “It makes the most pedestrian conversations and interactions in spaces feel less safe for our gay brothers and sisters and those who may be questioning” Tyler wrote. 

Tyler went on to explain that he uses his platform to push back against archetypes. He wrote “Being straight doesn’t look one way. Being gay doesn’t look one way”. He reiterated that what people see as not harmful is harmful to others and may cause issues for other people. “I refuse to inadvertently contribute to that message”.

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The Golden Globe winner wished the queer identifying individuals well, “Happy Pride to all my queer and questioning individuals. I pray that you feel seen in ways that make you feel safe in the celebration that is this month”. Tyler considers himself to be an ally of the community and he is committed to assisting where he can. He concluded his message with a white heart emoticon.

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