Gay Actresses Getting the Most Backlash on Social Media

Social media has transformed the way audiences interact with celebrities, often turning public figures into lightning rods for controversy. Actresses who identify as LGBTQ+ frequently face intense scrutiny that can stem from their professional choices, personal lives, or outspoken activism. While some backlash arises from genuine missteps, other instances reflect the harsh and polarized nature of online discourse. The following list explores the female stars who have weathered significant storms of public opinion in the digital age.

Amber Heard

Heard became the center of one of the most vitriolic social media campaigns in history during her highly publicized legal battles with ex-husband Johnny Depp. The ‘Aquaman’ actress, who came out as bisexual in 2010, faced a relentless barrage of memes, hashtags, and criticism across every major platform. Online discourse dissected her testimony and courtroom behavior, creating a polarized environment that extended far beyond the courtroom. Despite the settlement of the defamation trial, the intensity of the digital backlash she endured remains a defining moment in modern celebrity culture.

Ellen DeGeneres

Once regarded as one of the most beloved figures in television, DeGeneres saw her reputation crumble following allegations of a toxic workplace environment on her daytime talk show. Former employees took to social media to share stories of intimidation and racism behind the scenes, contradicting her “be kind” brand. The comedian and actress faced calls for cancellation, leading to a significant drop in ratings and the eventual end of ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. This swift turn of public opinion highlighted how quickly a legacy can be dismantled in the age of accountability.

Ruby Rose

When Rose was cast as the titular character in the CW series ‘Batwoman’, she faced an immediate wave of criticism from comic book purists and internet trolls. Despite identifying as a lesbian and genderfluid, many social media users argued she was not “gay enough” or the right fit for the Jewish lesbian superhero. The backlash was so severe that Rose deactivated her Twitter account to escape the negativity. Her eventual departure from the show after one season only reignited the online discourse surrounding her casting and on-set experiences.

Jameela Jamil

The ‘The Good Place’ actress has frequently found herself at the center of Twitter controversies due to her outspoken nature on social justice and health issues. Jamil, who identifies as queer, faced a bizarre conspiracy theory online where users accused her of fabricating various illnesses and injuries for attention. She also faced criticism for her involvement in the voguing competition show ‘Legendary’, with detractors arguing a Black queer artist should have held her judging spot. Jamil often engages directly with her critics, which tends to fuel the cycle of backlash.

Kristen Stewart

Stewart has navigated intense public scrutiny since her days as the lead in the ‘Twilight’ franchise, but her more recent embrace of her queerness has drawn new types of attention. A cover shoot for a prominent music magazine featuring the actress in a jockstrap sparked conservative outrage and debates about gender presentation. Earlier in her career, she faced massive hate regarding her personal relationships, which often overshadowed her professional achievements. Today, she remains a polarizing figure who unapologetically challenges traditional Hollywood standards.

Cara Delevingne

The model and actress has worried fans and drawn criticism for erratic public behavior captured on video and shared widely on social media. Delevingne, who identifies as pansexual, faced particular backlash for her awkward interactions with other celebrities at award shows and on red carpets. Her presence at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards, where she appeared to aggressively assist Megan Thee Stallion, became a viral meme format rooted in second-hand embarrassment. These incidents have often sparked discussions about substance abuse and the pressures of fame.

Sara Ramirez

Ramirez faced a torrent of online mockery and disdain for their portrayal of the character Che Diaz in the ‘Sex and the City’ reboot, ‘And Just Like That…’. While the criticism was technically directed at the writing and the character, the backlash often bled into personal attacks against the non-binary bisexual actress. Fans of the original series expressed frustration with the character’s “woke” storylines, making Ramirez the face of the show’s controversial creative direction. The actress defended the role, urging viewers to accept complex and messy LGBTQ+ representation.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg, who identifies as gay and non-binary, became a target of a review-bombing campaign and social media harassment following the release of the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Acolyte’. A resurfaced clip of the actress joking about making white people cry in her film ‘The Hate U Give’ was taken out of context to paint her as anti-white, fueling right-wing outrage. In response to the racist vitriol, Stenberg released a music video on social media directly addressing the intolerance of her “haters.” The situation underscored the volatility faced by diverse leads in major franchises.

Raven-Symoné

The former child star and ‘The View’ co-host often triggers social media backlash with her controversial takes on race and identity. Symoné, who is married to a woman, faced widespread criticism for rejecting labels like “African American” and for her comments regarding “ghetto” names. Each instance of her expressing these views goes viral, prompting discussions about internalized bias and the responsibility of public figures. Her ability to consistently alienate different demographics has made her a frequent topic of heated online debate.

Bella Thorne

Thorne incurred the wrath of the online sex worker community after she joined the subscription platform OnlyFans and briefly charged $200 for a photo that was not as explicit as promised. The resulting flood of refund requests led the platform to alter its payment policies, capping tips and subscription prices in a way that hurt full-time creators. The pansexual actress was accused of “scamming” her fans and ruining the livelihood of sex workers for a quick cash grab. She later issued an apology, but the incident permanently damaged her reputation in those circles.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson has faced criticism from comic book fans upset by the race-swapping of her Marvel character, Valkyrie, who is white in the source material. The actress, who is attracted to both men and women, also drew ire for comments about wanting to make the movie industry less white and male. These statements were aggregated by outrage-bait accounts, leading to harassment campaigns accusing her of being “anti-man.” Despite the noise, she continues to advocate for diversity in her roles and production work.

Evan Rachel Wood

After publicly naming Marilyn Manson as her abuser, Wood faced a coordinated campaign of harassment from the musician’s fanbase and online “truth” groups. The ‘Westworld’ actress, who is bisexual, was subjected to victim-blaming and conspiracy theories similar to those seen in the Depp-Heard trial. Social media users dissected her past statements and acting roles to attempt to discredit her allegations. The backlash highlighted the steep social cost survivors often pay when speaking out against powerful figures.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose became an overnight meme after her performance at the BAFTA Awards, where she delivered a rap celebrating the female nominees. The line “Angela Bassett did the thing” went viral instantly, with social media users mocking the lyrics and the actress’s breathless delivery. While the backlash was mostly humorous rather than malicious, the sheer volume of ridicule forced DeBose to briefly deactivate her Twitter account. Eventually, she embraced the campy nature of the moment, reclaiming the joke.

JoJo Siwa

The former child star attempted a drastic rebrand from her signature bows and rainbows to a “bad girl” persona, sparking widespread ridicule on TikTok and Twitter. Siwa, who is a lesbian, faced backlash for claiming she wanted to invent a new genre of “gay pop,” which many critics noted already existed. Her music video for “Karma” and her Kiss-inspired red carpet looks were panned as inauthentic and forced. The internet’s reaction shifted between concern for her trajectory and mockery of her edgy aesthetic.

Miriam Margolyes

The veteran actress is known for her unfiltered comments, but she drew the ire of the massive ‘Harry Potter’ fandom by telling adult fans to “grow up.” Margolyes, who is a lesbian, stated in interviews that the series was for children and that she worried about adults who centered their lives around it. Social media users accused her of being condescending and ungrateful for the franchise that introduced her to a new generation. Her refusal to back down only fueled the online debate about fandom culture.

Rebel Wilson

Wilson faced a complex situation when she revealed she was forced to come out as queer because a newspaper was threatening to publish the story. However, she later faced significant backlash for her memoir, in which she made serious allegations against actor Sacha Baron Cohen. The public dispute played out on social media, with redacted versions of the book being released in certain territories due to legal threats. Audiences were divided between supporting her claims and questioning her methods of airing grievances.

Lily-Rose Depp

Depp found herself at the center of the “nepo baby” discourse and faced intense criticism for her role in the HBO series ‘The Idol’. The show was widely panned for its gratuitous sexual content and perceived misogyny, with many viewers questioning Depp’s judgment in taking the project. The queer actress defended the show’s creative vision, which only further alienated critics who felt the series was exploitative. Her response to questions about her privilege also drew negative attention on Twitter.

Hunter Schafer

The ‘Euphoria’ star faced a surprising wave of backlash from within the LGBTQ+ community after she liked a social media post that blamed non-binary people for the rollback of trans medical rights. Schafer, a trans woman, was accused of supporting “transmedicalist” views, which gatekeep the trans experience based on medical transition. The actress later issued a statement clarifying her stance and rejecting hatred toward non-binary people. The incident highlighted the intense infighting and purity testing that often occurs in online queer spaces.

Megan Fox

Fox has been a target of public ridicule for the eccentric nature of her relationship with musician Machine Gun Kelly. The bisexual actress faced backlash after sharing details about drinking each other’s blood for ritual purposes, which many users found disturbing or performative. Additionally, her comments about not looking like her own Instagram photos sparked debates about body dysmorphia and editing standards. Fox often battles with a public perception that dismisses her intellect in favor of sensational headlines.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson is a celebrated actress, but her romantic relationship with Holland Taylor, who is 32 years her senior, frequently attracts negative comments online. While many fans celebrate the couple, others leave ageist remarks and question the dynamic of their partnership. Paulson has been vocal in defending her partner and their love, often calling out the double standards applied to women in age-gap relationships. The social media commentary often veers into intrusive and judgmental territory regarding their private life.

Shannon Purser

The ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Riverdale’ actress was accused of “queerbaiting” by fans who felt her character’s storyline and her own privacy were misleading. The harassment became so intense that Purser felt forced to come out as bisexual on Twitter to stop the attacks. She used the moment to educate her followers on the toxicity of forcing labels onto public figures before they are ready. The incident remains a prime example of how aggressive fandom entitlement can harm the very people they claim to support.

Reneé Rapp

Rapp, who recently re-identified from bisexual to lesbian, faced a wave of criticism for comments she made about millennial women. In an interview, she jokingly referred to herself as “ageist” and claimed to have been bullied by millennials, sparking a discourse on TikTok about generational wars. Users called her comments out of touch and “Karen-like,” accusing her of biting the hand of the demographic that supports her. The ‘Mean Girls’ star is known for her chaotic interview style, which often lands her in hot water.

Cynthia Nixon

Nixon’s transition from acting to political activism has made her a polarizing figure, particularly during her run for Governor of New York. The lesbian actress also faces ongoing backlash for the evolution of her character Miranda Hobbes in ‘And Just Like That…’, with fans blaming her real-life personality for “ruining” the character. Social media users frequently criticize her political takes and the perceived preachiness of her recent acting roles. She remains a lightning rod for debates about celebrity involvement in politics.

Rosario Dawson

Dawson faced a serious reputational threat when a former family employee filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and transphobia. The bisexual actress and her family were accused of deadnaming and misgendering the employee, sparking immediate condemnation on social media. Although the actress was eventually cleared of the main allegations and the suit was dropped, the initial report caused lasting damage to her image in some progressive circles. The incident is frequently brought up by detractors whenever she is cast in new high-profile projects.

Anna Paquin

Paquin has frequently had to defend her sexual orientation against internet trolls who claim she is no longer bisexual because she is married to a man. The ‘True Blood’ actress often takes to social media to shut down “bi-erasure,” asserting that her marriage does not negate her queer identity. Each time she posts about Pride or LGBTQ+ rights, comments sections fill with users debating the validity of her belonging in the community. Her steadfast refusal to be silenced has made her a target for exclusionary rhetoric.

What are your thoughts on how social media treats these actresses? Share your opinion in the comments.