Laverne Cox is a bona fide superstar, a trans advocate who slays on screen and on the red carpet. So when news broke about her Maga ex-boyfriend, some fans were left scratching their heads and throwing shade.
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The “Orange is the New Black” star took to social media with a video promoting her upcoming one-woman show, Gurrl, How Did I Get Here? in New York City. In the clip posted to her Instagram, she explained that the show is about her life and career over the last five years, including stories about men she has dated.
She says to the camera in the clip, “My ex-boyfriend, when we met five years ago, at the height of the pandemic, he was 26 and I was 48. He was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed MAGA republican voter who is a New York City police officer.” Naturally, the internet was shocked at this revelation, and also called out the actress and activist for sharing this.
The comments under the post immediately came pouring in, with one user writing, “You should’ve taken this to the grave, babe.” Another user added, “So you recorded this, edited, and STILL pressed upload…?” Considering the disproportionate fatal violence Black trans women face in this country, many fans were rightfully questioning Cox, who is one of the biggest Black trans voices in media.
One fan asked directly, “So you voted against everything you are??? AND you’re okay with that,” to which Cox replied, “I wasn’t ok with that. I did break up with him. He’s no longer in my life. I fell in love but love wasn’t enough.”
On X, formerly known as Twitter, fans also reacted to the post. @notcapnamerica simply wrote, “Is Laverne Cox okay?” While other users were in disbelief, writing, “Please tell me Laverne Cox isn’t serious.” Another added, “Laverne Cox is odd…for that.”
After the pretty swift and immediate backlash, Cox took to social media again, this time to address the criticism on Instagram Live. In the video, she said that the children are “gagging” in the comments and that she “did not think about” what the reaction would be, while still teasing her upcoming show. She added that she still insists she was in love, and that while she is listening to the feedback, she also is wary of people “dehumanizing” others with opposing political beliefs.
“I’m not going to hate people … I don’t believe in that,” Cox explained. “We have to fight the fascists, and we have to fight the fascist regime. But as we do that, I hope that we’re not dehumanizing people with different beliefs the way they’re dehumanizing us.”
This video seemed to have the opposite of the intended effect, however, only exacerbating the backlash.
Jaida Essence Hall, winner of season 12 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” wrote in the comments, “Whew in this political economy that’s a huge investment that for sure will yield 0…idk.” Others wrote that it goes beyond just “differences in opinion” when political beliefs “dehumanize” trans people.
One user, @Tajonyx, took to Instagram to reveal they unfollowed Cox on all platforms, and that they initially thought that the story was a prank. They called it a huge “slap in the face” for people who are advocating for Black trans women and on the front lines.
Another user on X wrote, “Nothing, and I mean NOTHING could’ve prepared me for finding out abt the Laverne Cox situation.” Another user on TikTok shared her opinions on the situation, saying that while she is not trans and believes that the conversation should stay within the trans community, she does say that she “does not think” that you can be in a relationship with a MAGA supporter and not be held accountable.
Other Black trans women have also taken to TikTok to share their thoughts, with many sharing their disappointment in her for not only dating him but for sharing this, especially with her platform.
@yourdeiguide We are the company we keep. I feel like this will do more damage than anything. no, we were not "gagged" Laverne, we were disappointed #lavernecox #relationships #politics ♬ original sound – Noelle | Your DEI Guide
@twen2times sister, what is going on? There’s a part of me that wants to be like this is all for engagement to sell tickets to her show but at the same time damn you need to sell tickets that bad? And If this is real then I’m so lost. You got a bit too bright eyed when you said “blonde haired blue eyed”. I’m not judging I just wanna understand. I am side eyeing you though 👀 #lavernecox ♬ WTHELLY – Rob49
@raraabellz I’m soo disappointed!! #trans #lgbt #nyc #lavernecox #fyp #raraabellz ♬ original sound – Rara With Bellz
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