Lil Nas X explains to Kevin Hart why he came out ‘at top’
During a recent episode of "The Shop: Uninterrupted," Lil Nas X opened up to Kevin Hart and others about coming out as gay, and their conversation has ignited an online debate about the stigma of homosexuality.
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The Atlanta artist appeared on the HBO talk show, which aired Tuesday, alongside Hart, Maverick Carter, Rob Gronkowski, Kevin Love, CJ McCollum, Charlamagne tha God and Paul Rivera.
.@lilnasx speaks the truth about his choice to come out while at the top. More of The Shop on @HBO now! pic.twitter.com/wETNaPUU5t
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) September 4, 2019
During their chat, Rivera asked the "Old Town Road" singer why he decided to announce his sexuality in the midst of his record-breaking run atop the Billboard Hot 100.
Before Lil Nas X answered, Hart interrupted by blurting: “He said he was gay. So what?”
The rapper then revealed he was taught to hate gay people. When Hart asked “why,” Lil Nas X said: “Come on now. If you’re really from the hood, you know.”
Lil Nas X continued to explain he came out during a career high to prove he wasn’t seeking attention. Instead, he said he wanted to show his sexuality “doesn’t really matter.”
Hart later told Lil Nas X he shouldn’t have to “defend” who he is “in no way, shape or form.”
As clips from the episode began to circulate online, several people criticized Hart, who stepped down as the Oscars host last year because of his history of homophobic comments in his comedy.
Many accused Hart of pretending not to understand homophobia, while others said he was “gaslighting” Lil Nas X.
Kevin Hart is doing what we as heterosexual men should actually never do in conversations about homophobia: acting completely oblivious to what actually happens in society. Every. Single. Day.
— Love Yo Self ✨ (@MichellCClark) September 4, 2019
Don't make conversations into performances. Listen. https://t.co/jjZqydIZXN
I see people are acting dumb about why Kevin Hart’s interaction with Lil Nas X was gas lighting. These same people would be outraged about white people who deny white privilege exists and rightfully so. The cognitive dissonance on display is amazing.
— 🇩🇴 DMs open to men 37 - 47 ONLY (@HarlemMC) September 4, 2019
"He said he was gay. So what!" Kevin Hart knows exactly what the "so what" is here and why a young black boy would closet his sexuality until he believed it was safe. Why not simply listen, give @LilNasX the space and deference to tell his own story... https://t.co/8nY9cHPftP
— G O L D I E. (@goldietaylor) September 4, 2019
Kevin Hart acting like he doesn’t know why Lil Nas X would be scared to come out is like someone who stole the thing you lost helping you look for it. https://t.co/ZmfRNMktel
— Phillip Henry (@MajorPhilebrity) September 4, 2019
I’m very disappointed that lil nas x was subjected to gaslighting about homophobia in this “conversation.” He shouldn’t have had to defend himself against the obvious like this 💔 https://t.co/LhXZVzkfcs
— HOT BROOKE SUMMER (@BrookeObie) September 4, 2019
» RELATED: Lil Nas X 'Old Town Road' sets more Billboard records
Some were even upset Hart interrupted Lil Nas X while he was trying to explain his choice.
I really wish Lil Nas X wasn’t interrupted while trying to express his reasoning here. https://t.co/3CQ0DBbP7w
— 🇭🇹Seeester Targaryen🇭🇹 (@TheJessieWoo) September 4, 2019
I’ve watched the clip several times now and Kevin really comes off poorly here. “He’s gay; so what!” took away Lil Nas X’s ability to say it first for himself and an attempt TO ME to derail and downplay the convo. Like “We know! No need to discuss it. Move on.” It’s not cool.
— April (@ReignOfApril) September 4, 2019
Why is Kevin Hart interrupting Lil Nas X like that? Simmer down sir. https://t.co/fwHkZ5f06s
— Rebecca Theodore-Vachon (@FilmFatale_NYC) September 4, 2019
Others applauded Lil Nas X for his response, calling him "courageous" and "wise."
Lil nas X had to remind Kevin hart and be like “if you’re really from the hood” goes to show you people low key forget where they came from and the things they used to do. Nothing wrong with growth but don’t forget that. Props to lil nas X for being able to let them dudes know
— Aaron Alexander (@TheGoldenAdonis) September 4, 2019
I love @LilNasX so much pic.twitter.com/8EVbE7QHPf
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) September 4, 2019
lil nas x showed admirable resolve there — that he shouldn’t have had to, it should be said — but what i really liked was how he took the steam out of kevin hart with that “if you were really from the hood, you would know.”
— Joel D. Anderson (@byjoelanderson) September 4, 2019
Whew, the gaslighting from Kevin Hart. I keep telling y’all; trash in, trash out. Anyway, I’m so proud of @LilNasX. His calm confidence is impressive. https://t.co/eO1MpEs3B1
— Saeed Jones (@theferocity) September 4, 2019
And there were a few who defended Hart and said he didn’t do anything wrong.
It doesn’t matter.. it really doesn’t.. but I’m here bc y’all found something wrong with what Kevin Hart said and he literally said nothing.. at all.. he asked why he felt it was necessary and the guy responded. You know you can love one celebrity and not hate the other right? https://t.co/axkzqtyiXR
— T (@tinaelised) September 4, 2019
Why are people blasting Kevin Hart ?? Dude said so what that he’s gay... what did he do wrong ??
— Rikk🎰 (@kinggtyyyy_____) September 4, 2019
I don't get it what did Kevin hart say wrong?
— segaswedenjoey (@TrueSweden) September 4, 2019
» RELATED: Kevin Hart 'going to be just fine' after undergoing surgery for car accident, wife says
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
