Francois Arnaud and Hudson Williams Address Jordan Firstman’s Show Critique
François Arnaud and Hudson Williams have voiced their opinions following Jordan Firstman’s critique of their show, *Heated Rivalry*. This controversy emerged after Firstman, who is openly gay, labeled the series as “not gay” in an interview with *Vulture*. He criticized the authenticity of its sex scenes and questioned the lead actors’ decision to keep their sexual orientations private.
Firstman’s Controversial Remarks
In his interview, Firstman, 34, stated, “I’m sorry, I watched those first two episodes of *Heated Rivalry* and it’s just not gay. It’s not how gay people f–k.” He further emphasized that there are few representations of genuine gay sex in media, contrasting *Heated Rivalry* with *Rotting in the Sun*, which he called the “best gay movie of the decade.”
Reactions from the Cast
Arnaud, known for portraying a closeted queer hockey player, responded staunchly to Firstman’s comments on social media. He questioned, “Is there only one way to have ‘authentic’ gay sex on TV?” His provocative post suggested that sex depicted in the series reflects the experiences of closeted hockey players rather than stereotypical portrayals found elsewhere.
Williams, 24, took a more diplomatic stance. He reshared Arnaud’s comment and encouraged viewers to watch *I Love LA*, praising Firstman and the cast for their work.
Firstman’s Follow-Up
In light of the backlash, Firstman returned to Instagram to clarify his statements. Accompanied by a selfie, he mentioned, “I love *Heated Rivalry* and ultimately I’m a f—-t who can’t shut the f–k up but I’m gunna get better at that.” This statement highlights his love for the series despite his critiques.
Additionally, Firstman shared a screenshot of a negative comment he received, demonstrating how public scrutiny can affect personal perceptions. He humorously acknowledged the criticism, saying, “Not sure I deserve thousands of these messages but hey I do agree some days!”
The Show’s Future
Despite the controversy, *Heated Rivalry* continues to gain attention. In fact, it has been renewed for a second season, promising further exploration of the characters’ relationships. The show stars Williams and Connor Storrie as professional hockey players engaged in a secret romance, based on Rachel Reid’s *Game Changers* series. Jacob Tierney, who is openly gay, serves as the creator, writer, and director of the series.
Conclusion
This exchange highlights ongoing conversations about representation and authenticity in LGBTQ+ media. As discussions around *Heated Rivalry* continue, both fans and critics will be watching closely to see how the show evolves in its second season.
