A recent episode of Big Brother U.K. has the internet in a tizzy after R&B crooner Ginuwine refused to allow India Willoughby a transgender housemate, to kiss him after a discussion about trans relationships.
Fellow housemate and Kardashian bestie Malika Haqq came to the “Pony” singer’s defense, saying he shouldn’t be labeled hateful or ignorant for having his own opinion and controlling who he allows in his personal space.
The internet is now torn on the issue, with some followers equating his refusal to be kissed to someone refusing a kiss based purely on race.
The shit between India and Ginuwine IS transphobia & im tired of them saying that it isn’t. If you say you won’t date someone because they’re trans but you would date them if you didn’t know, IT IS TRANSPHOBIA.
— Kiera (@ForeverRawrrr) January 7, 2018
Today confirmed out Ginuwine and Nipsey are both transphobic/homophobic and I’m tired but no suprised. Like I’m just tryna enjoy y’all art but you haaaad to be trash right.
— Sucio (@DREamAboutSimba) January 8, 2018
Irrespective of how nasty India is, (& she hates other trans ppl too), does Ginuwine know how much he’s insulted ALL trans women by saying he’d never date a trans woman. Also presumptuous & arrogant of him to assume we’d all be lining up to go out with him.
— Katie (@Katie97531200) January 7, 2018
Ginuwine’s fan base, however, isn’t here for it, defending the singer’s decision to reject Willoughby’s affections without being labeled prejudice. Check out their reactions below.
That’s ridiculous. He’s entitled to his own sexual preferences and that doesn’t include transwomen but plenty more fish in the sea for India
— James Anderson (@JamesLeslie123) January 8, 2018
Why are people so stupid? #Ginuwine was the one being harassed!!! Get that!!! Come on people!!!!🙄😒🤔 https://t.co/YXqW6ndMqR
— Denise Renee (@deniserenee24) January 8, 2018
Ginuwine saying he wouldn’t date a trans woman is a preference not discrimination… plus he barely knows the woman, if you out here kissing random people then you got a problem
— Ashley (@ItsAshley____) January 8, 2018
I completely agree with Malika, Ginuwine has the choice/right to date or not date whoever he wants, just as I’m sure he probably wouldn’t date Ann, would she storm off and be mad , no .. I feel that India is taking things as a personal attack .. and they aren’t ..
— Susan Nathan-Meloy (@SusanMeloy) January 7, 2018