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.
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.
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Some were even upset Hart interrupted Lil Nas X while he was trying to explain his choice.
Others applauded Lil Nas X for his response, calling him "courageous" and "wise."
And there were a few who defended Hart and said he didn’t do anything wrong.
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