In a recent appearance on the Jaxxon podcast recap of UFC 315, former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw made headlines with his candid comments about his unwillingness to portray gay characters in film.
When asked by Quinton “Rampage” Jackson if he would accept payment to play a gay character in a movie, Dillashaw’s response was unequivocal.
“I don’t think so man,” Dillashaw stated. “I get like so grossed out. I was just watching a show the other day, this Netflix show, four seasons, and these two guys that are always like making out on it just makes me so uncomfortable the entire time.”
Dillashaw went on to question whether productions typically cast gay actors for such roles or if they employ straight actors to portray them.
His comments come amid increasing scrutiny of LGBTQ+ representation in media and follow other controversial statements from UFC personalities on similar topics.
Earlier this year, former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson faced significant backlash after telling his gay brother
“don’t be coming over here with all that gay sh*t.”
Johnson’s comments, which went viral with over 4 million views, drew criticism from prominent voices in the MMA community, including journalists and social media users who characterized his statements as homophobic.
UFC featherweight Bryce Mitchell has also made headlines for controversial comments regarding the LGBTQ+ community. On Instagram, Mitchell suggested that gay people are
“destined for eternal damnation”
and wrote,
“Biblical truth hurts peoples feelins [sic]… kids need a father and a mother.”
Prior to that, Manuel Kape made waves for admitting he was highly opposed to jiu-jitsu training because it looked ‘gay’.
Dillashaw’s remarks highlight the personal boundaries some athletes maintain regarding the roles they’re willing to accept and the content they’re comfortable consuming.
