‘I Kissed a Boy’ Star Ollie King Faces Backlash After Comments on Ex Dan Harry and Nonbinary Identities

‘I Kissed a Boy’ made headlines as the United Kingdom’s first gay dating show, launching a new era of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. Hosted by Dannii Minogue, the series brought together ten single men in a picturesque Italian masseria, with the premise that they would meet and kiss before speaking to each other, hoping to spark authentic romantic connections. Among the contestants, Ollie King and Dan Harry Glendinning quickly became fan favorites, with their chemistry and affectionate on-screen moments standing out to audiences and social media followers alike. Their journey became emblematic of a new visibility for queer relationships on television, helping to normalize same-gender romance and challenge lingering stereotypes in reality TV formats .

After the show’s finale, Ollie King and Dan Harry Glendinning continued their relationship, remaining together for nearly a year. Their post-show romance was widely celebrated, as they were the only pair from the series’ final four couples to last beyond filming. However, in September, King announced on Instagram that the couple had decided to part ways. His statement emphasized that there was “no bad blood” between them, asking for privacy and respect during a vulnerable period. Glendinning did not issue a concurrent statement but continued his public advocacy, notably participating in an HIV vaccine trial as a way to honor the progress of earlier generations in the LGBTQ+ movement .

The controversy erupted after a recent social media video surfaced in which Ollie King commented on his breakup with Dan Harry and made remarks interpreted by many as dismissive of nonbinary people and other queer identities. While the full context of King’s statements is still circulating across platforms, several LGBTQ+ advocates and community members have voiced concern that his comments perpetuate harmful misunderstandings about gender identity and inclusivity within queer spaces .

In the video, King reportedly expressed frustration with certain nonbinary identities, suggesting that the proliferation of labels complicates the community’s cohesion and public understanding. He also commented on his relationship with Dan Harry, describing aspects of their breakup in a manner that some interpreted as airing private grievances in a public forum. These remarks quickly spread, prompting both criticism and calls for more respectful dialogue online .

The response from the LGBTQ+ community was swift and multifaceted. Many advocates highlighted that representation in media brings both increased visibility and responsibility, especially for those elevated as public figures. Nonbinary activists and allies underscored the importance of affirming all gender identities, emphasizing that respecting people’s self-identification is fundamental to the movement for equality and acceptance.

Several prominent voices within the community reminded followers that the richness and diversity of queer and trans experiences are strengths to be celebrated, not obstacles to be minimized. LGBTQ+ organizations and mental health advocates used the moment to reiterate the necessity of inclusive language and the potential harm caused by invalidating comments—particularly when made by those with significant platforms .

The incident has reignited conversations about the responsibilities of queer public figures, especially those who have benefited from newfound visibility through reality television and social media. While ‘I Kissed a Boy’ broke ground as a space for gay men to find love, the broader LGBTQ+ community has called for ongoing efforts to ensure that future media projects are truly inclusive, providing space for all identities—binary and nonbinary, transgender, genderqueer, and more.

As more reality shows and media platforms strive for diversity, experts urge that casting, production, and editorial decisions should be guided by principles of respect, affirmation, and sensitivity to the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences. Community leaders hope that this moment serves as a learning opportunity, prompting deeper conversations about intersectionality, privilege, and the ongoing work needed to achieve equity and understanding in both media and society at large .