Chris Hughes says girlfriend JoJo Siwa ‘still part of LGBTQ community’ after facing backlash to relationship
Chris Hughes has defended his girlfriend JoJo Siwa against online criticism about her sexuality, stating she remains “part of the LGBTQ+ community” despite their relationship.
The former Love Island contestant, 32, addressed backlash in an interview with The Sun, responding to critics who have accused Siwa of “turning straight” since they began dating.
“I’m very respectful of everything she’s been through. That’s her own personal journey,” Hughes told the publication.
“But it upsets me that she is being thrown hate online. I do feel a sense of responsibility that being with me has led to her getting hate.”
The reality television star emphasised that Siwa’s relationship with him doesn’t change her identity within the LGBTQ+ community, pushing back against online negativity surrounding their romance.
Hughes explicitly addressed the misconceptions about Siwa’s sexuality, stating: “Joelle has been with girls all her life. She is bisexual. She’s not now straight because she’s with me.”
The 32-year-old stressed that sexuality is fluid and people should be free to love without judgement. “She is still part of the LGBTQ+ community; she always will be.
And while there’s been negativity, there has been so much love,” he added.
Siwa, 22, had previously identified as a lesbian before revealing during her Celebrity Big Brother UK stint that she now identifies as queer.
She told fellow housemate Danny Beard: “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.'”
The pair first met whilst competing on the reality show in April, with Hughes telling The Sun he “adored the ground she walked on” from their first meeting.
Both initially denied any romantic involvement, with Siwa dating Australian YouTuber Kath Ebbs at the time.
Their relationship status changed after the show concluded, with Siwa confirming in June: “It’s not platonic any more, and it’s been a beautiful development, a beautiful connection, and I’m absolutely head over heels for him, and he’s the same way.”
Hughes revealed he’s “obsessed” with Siwa and would “love to marry her”, admitting: “I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I run through scenarios of our wedding day.” He envisions “a proper English wedding” with Siwa “in a full wedding dress”.
Hughes shared that both he and Siwa want children, telling The Sun: “We both want kids. We come from loving families. My mum loves her. She’s my best friend.”
The couple are currently navigating a transatlantic relationship, with Siwa based in Los Angeles whilst Hughes lives in the Cotswolds.
Despite the distance, Hughes said he doesn’t mind taking flights to see her.
“I love that she’s the person I have to do nothing with and still have the best time. That’s everything to me,” he explained.
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Hughes also addressed their ten-year age gap, noting: “She’s one of the most mature people I’ve ever met, and I’m very immature. But it works.”