Miley Cyrus has upset fans with a seemingly ‘biphobic’ comment about JoJo Siwa’s relationship with Chris Hughes.
The Something Beautiful singer was speaking on a panel at Dreamland Pride Festival in New York when she joked about JoJo, 22, and her new romance.
‘Enjoy coming out of the closet if this Pride is the time for you,’ Miley, 32, told the crowd before adding they should ‘have an amazing Pride.’
The Hannah Montana legend concluded: ‘Alright, I’m going back to get some more pretzels and find JoJo Siwa and bring her back out.’
This came after the internet personality, who identifies as queer, split with her partner Kath Ebbs, 27, at the Celebrity Big Brother wrap party.
Since the show, JoJo’s love life and sexuality have been in the spotlight, and she has moved on with cisgender male housemate Chris Hughes, 32.
Miley’s comments were seen by some as adding to the erasure of JoJo’s queer identity, now that she is dating a man.
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‘It’s really strange how some bi women can be biphobic, lol,’ wrote sophiebbx_ on X, pointing out Miley has said she identifies as pansexual.
Pansexual, a term which JoJo has also used previously, is similar to bisexuality and means you can be attracted to anyone regardless of their gender expression.
‘Publicly shaming a young woman exploring her sexuality is abhorrent,’ said folklorepaltrow. ‘Not just Miley, but all of yall posting “jokes”.’
Arttavana added: ‘I don’t think it’s “funny” to make fun of someone’s sexual orientation or gender, but I guess it’s perfectly fine if it’s directed at someone for not being gay or queer-enough during Pride.’
Others defended Miley, pointing out she was clearly joking and is friends with JoJo, so would not have said anything maliciously.
‘Miley & Jojo are literally friends irl,’ shared MileyCyrusBz. ‘Jojo is the biggest Miley fan and Miley is always supporting Jojo. She’s just joking with HER FRIEND & HER COMMUNITY that you DON’T own.’
Xxmahibogixx added: ‘Miley and Jojo’s friendship is the real deal! Loving this playful side.’
However, there were some people saying that regardless of Miley’s intention or friendship, she has added to the biphobia JoJo is facing.
‘JoJo is getting visceral hate from the community at the moment so Miley doing this, even if it’s a joke, is distasteful. especially considering they’re meant to be friends,’ said kookpjm13.
Biphobia somtimes comes from within the LGBTQ+ community, and is particularly directed towards queer women when they date a man (therefore becoming ‘straight passing).
Stereotypes about ‘bi women and their straight male boyfriends’ often crop up on social media, with both bi men and women feeling they are not accepted by swathes of the community when in an opposite sex relationship.
While in the Big Brother house, JoJo told Danny Beard: ‘I feel, like, so queer, do you know what I mean?I think that’s the thing.
‘I’ve always told myself I’m a lesbian, and I think being here I’ve realised: “Oh, I’m not a lesbian, I’m queer.” And I think that’s really cool.’
It took time for JoJo and Chris to officially confirm their relationship was ‘not platonic anymore’, despite heavy speculation.
Chris then posted a Snapchat story of JoJo asleep on his chest on June 1, the first day of Pride month.
She’s not the only bi pop star being criticised for having a boyfriend this month either as US singer Fletcher hard launched her new beau with a song.
‘Boy’ was emblazoned across merchandise as well as being the title of her new single, after years of being known for sapphic breakup hits.
Metro has reached out to Miley Cyrus’ team for comment.
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