9-1-1’s Ryan Guzman slammed for liking post claiming kids are being ‘brainwashed’ by LGBTQ+ people

9-1-1 star Ryan Guzman has been criticised for liking a social media post that claimed children in the US were being “brainwashed” by LGBTQ+ people.

The actor, who plays Eddie Diaz in the firefighter drama, is in hot water over his apparent endorsement of an Instagram clip, which urged parents to “home school our kids” to prevent them from learning about LGBTQ+ people.

The clip was uploaded by a user named Billy Morris, who says he took his family to an “off-grid” farm, because schools had “brainwashed” youngsters to believe “there’s 147 genders and that men can give birth”.

The influencer is known for a number of videos that spread right-wing conspiracies, including one purporting to help users “get out of the Matrix”.

There is no reliable evidence that children are being taught about “147 genders.” In fact, in several states, it’s even illegal to discuss LGBTQ+ topics in public schools.

Despite Morris’ objections, it is possible for trans men to give birth. The first documented man to do so was Thomas Beatie, who had the first of his three children in 2008.

The “x genders” claim is a transphobic, right-wing dog whistle that misinterprets the gender spectrum model, to paint transgender people as irrational.

9-1-1 fans criticised Guzman for liking the video, with one saying the star was “not a good person” as a result.

Another person wrote: “You know when I look for traditional values I go to the divorced actor.”

The fact that the 9-1-1 character he plays, Eddie Diaz, has won the hearts of the LGBTQ+ community in recent years will no doubt add to the disappointment the show’s queer fans are likely to be feeling.

He forms half of a beloved, queer fan “ship” of another character, Buck, played by Oliver Stark, and Ryan Guzman’s character Eddie – together making “Buddie”. Oliver Stark has said previously that he would be interested in the two best friends getting together if it follows a “natural progression” of the story.

Guzman, who also appeared in Heroes Reborn, is no stranger to controversy. In 2020, he defended his now ex-wife, Chrysti Ane, for using the n-word in a series of resurfaced tweets from 2011.

During an Instagram live video, Guzman said the tweets were permissible because he and Ane have “plenty of friends: Black, white, Asian, Indian, whatever they are, Korean,” and “we call [one another] slurs all the time”.

According to Variety, he went on to say: “We don’t get butt-hurt at all because we know the actual person. We know that we’re not trying to bring [one another] down. So, what are y’all trying to get at? You’re trying to prove that somebody [who’s] not racist is racist?”

He later said he was “truly sorry” for the outburst and took “full responsibility” for his words.

PinkNews has contacted Ryan Guzman’s agent for comment.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.