‘Heated Rivalry’ Stars Address Jordan Firstman’s Critique
In a recent exchange, stars Hudson Williams and François Arnaud from the series “Heated Rivalry” responded to actor Jordan Firstman’s critique of their show’s portrayal of gay intimacy. Firstman, who stars in “I Love LA,” expressed on social media that the depiction of gay sex in “Heated Rivalry” doesn’t align with his view of how gay people engage in sexual relationships.
Response from “Heated Rivalry” Stars
In reaction to Firstman’s remarks, François Arnaud questioned whether there is a singular representation of “authentic” gay sex on television. He highlighted the variance in experiences between different individuals, stating, “Should the sex that closeted hockey players have look like the sex that sceney LA gay guys have?”
Hudson Williams added support for Arnaud’s comment by encouraging audiences to watch “I Love LA,” praising Firstman and his cast.
Firstman’s Critique and Subsequent Clarification
Firstman shared his thoughts with Vulture, criticizing the first two episodes of “Heated Rivalry” for lacking what he deemed authentic gay representation. He remarked, “It’s just not gay. There’s so few things that actually show gay sex.”
He went on to reflect on audience expectations, stating that many viewers may prefer entertainment that doesn’t necessarily confront them with genuine portrayals of queer love. “But they want to see ‘Heated Rivalry,’” he noted.
However, Firstman later reassessed his comments in an Instagram Story on Saturday morning. He expressed admiration for “Heated Rivalry” and acknowledged his tendency to speak out, stating, “I love ‘Heated Rivalry’ and ultimately I’m a f-ggot who can’t shut the fuck up but I’m gunna get better at that.”
Season Two Renewal and Show Overview
On Friday, it was announced that “Heated Rivalry” has been renewed for a second season. HBO will handle the licensing for Season 2, similar to its approach for the first season.
The show is adapted from Rachel Reid’s “Game Changers” book series. It narrates the secret romance between two rising hockey stars who navigate their relationship while competing as rivals on the ice.
