Heartstopper’s Keith Connor ‘forced’ to come out as bisexual

British newcomer Keith Connor, who plays the role of Nick Nelson Heartstopperreturned to social media after a hiatus from the platform to share a message with those who “forced” him to come out following accusations of “queerbaiting” and rampant speculation about his off-screen sexuality.

“Come back for a minute. i would congrats on making an 18 year old lose his temper. i think some of you missed the point of the show. bye,” the actor tweeted on Monday, nearly two months after announcing his retirement on social media.

Connor, who also starred in the Elton John biopic Rocketmangained fame this year for his role in the groundbreaking Netflix series Heartstopper, which follows high school student Charlie as he explores his sexuality after falling in love with his new friend Nick. The drama, which became an instant hit with viewers, was renewed for a second and third season.

The actor’s post caused a wave of support from the side Heartstopper cast and crew, and the graphic novel author behind the series, Alice Asseman, says, “I really don’t understand how people can watch Heartstopper and then happily spend time thinking about sexuality and judging based on stereotypes. I hope all these people are embarrassed. Keith, you’re amazing.’

Kizzy Edgell, who plays Darcy Olson in the series, wrote: “I love you, I’m so sorry it was so disgustingly rude to you. were treated so unfairly.”

Fans of the series criticize trolls who put pressure on the star to talk about her personal life.

“I hope these people feel embarrassed for the rest of their lives because they deserve it. Keith is one of the sweetest people who ever lived and deserves everything in the world and certainly not this,” said one.

“Nick Nelson is the character that made me feel safe in my bisexuality. he showed me that no appearance, demeanor, or way of being are “qualifying marks” for being gay. it’s who you love. Keith Connor we are so proud of you so heartbroken,” tweeted another.

Another commented on the ‘queerbaiting’ allegations Connor allegedly faced after the show.

“Queerbaiting is a media term. Real people can’t screw up. Harassing an 18 year old until you get them to come out is DISGUSTING. Heartstopper is a cute weird show. Keith Connor is a MAN who should NEVER have had to defend himself against such accusations of queerbaiting.’

“Queerbaiting” is a term that refers to when a heterosexual public figure insinuates queerness for the sake of publicity.

It is noteworthy that this year the actor became a pop star Harry Styles under pressure to label his sexuality after years of avoiding identifying as a member of the queer community while seemingly dropping hints that he is not straight.

Some say he “appropriates” queer culture by wearing skirts and dresses to events and hinting at bi-curiosity in his lyrics and music videos.

Allegations of queerbaiting have plagued the former One Direction member for years, but not recently Rolling Stone interview and his role in the upcoming film My policeman as a queer in 1957 in Brighton, when homosexuality was illegal, renewed the debate.

Talking to Rolling Stone in August Stiles, who is currently dating Don’t worry dear director Olivia Wildedisputed the claims.

“Sometimes people say, ‘You’ve only been with women in public,’ and I don’t think I’ve been with anyone publicly,” he said. “If someone takes a picture of you with someone, it doesn’t mean you’re choosing to be in a public relationship or anything like that.”

Originally published as Keith Connor’s Netflix hit Heartstopper was ‘forced’ out