Christine McGuinness has defended JoJo Siwa after the 18-year-old influencer was criticised for dating Chris Hughes, who she met on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year
Reality TV star Christine McGuinness has come out in support of JoJo Siwa, stating that the young star shouldn’t have to “explain” her sexuality amidst her new relationship with Chris Hughes.
The 22-year-old internet sensation began a romance with the 32-year-old Love Island star after meeting on Celebrity Big Brother, despite previously identifying as lesbian. During her time on the ITV show, JoJo shared with housemates that she’d now prefer to identify as queer.
Christine, who parted ways with her husband Paddy McGuinness last year and has herself dated women, defended JoJo’s right to privacy regarding her sexual orientation.
On her Situationships podcast, 37-year-old Christine commented: “Let them live. I’ve sort of gone through, not that situation, but similar.
“Being in the public eye and feeling the need to explain your sexuality which I don’t think anyone needs to at all. JoJo is so young, she’s growing and learning like we all are. Life changes.
“One of the best things about being an adult is that you can change your mind at any time. JoJo, I think she’s always been open about the fact she’s queer and that’s how she refers to herself. She loves whoever she loves and it’s not necessarily about gender. Although I don’t put a label on myself, it kind of is how I feel.”
However, Christine – who recently opened up about her own sexuality – acknowledged that some fans might feel “let down” by JoJo’s decision to date a man, given her status as an LGBTQIA+ advocate.
She expressed: “Because she’s been out there so much as an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, I think some of them feel let down that she’s now.”
Christine also expressed frustration over the scrutiny of JoJo’s personal life due to her fame. She elaborated: “I just think, it’s not anybody’s business. It’s called private life for a reason. People think you’re in the public eye and we’re entitled to know what you’re up to. I’ve had it the last couple of years and it’s not nice.
“Sexuality has been a big part of it and it shouldn’t be. Too people have met and they’re really happy and they’re exploring whether it’s a friendship or a relationship.”
JoJo recently emphasised her stance on privacy within her personal life, saying, “I don’t need to explain myself” when discussing her relationship with Chris.
Speaking to E! News, she expressed, “I don’t need to explain myself because I feel so in the right position. “I feel so content with my happiness, and I feel so relaxed and at ease with where I’m at. I feel so happy and peaceful that the love I feel is so real and so in front of me.”
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