‘American Horror Story’ creator criticized over casting choice for Season 9
Not much is known about the upcoming ninth season of American Horror Story other than we’re getting one. There’s been talk about bringing back more fan favorites, with two cast members being revealed this week.
However, the internet isn’t exactly pleased with one of AHS creator Ryan Murphy’s choices as they claim it doesn’t reflect diversity.
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Murphy took to Instagram to reveal Gus Kenworthy would be joining the cast to play Emma Roberts’ boyfriend in roles that still have details pending.
“That special moment when you realize you have an Olympic medal AND will be playing Emma Roberts’ boyfriend on “American Horror Story” Season 9,” Murphy wrote.
Kenworthy reposted it with, “I guess the cat’s out of the bag… I’m. So. Fucking. Shook. ILYSM @mrrpmurphy”
Roberts made her AHS debut as Madison Montgomery in Coven in 2013. She returned in a new role in Freak Show in 2014 and made a one-episode appearance in 2017’s Cult. Most recently, she reprised the infamous Coven role for 2018’s Apocalypse.
Kenworthy is known as a talented athlete, having won a silver medal in Men’s freestyle skiing at the 2014 Olympic games. Following his win, the skier publicly came out in an ESPN tell-all, which was published in Oct. 2015.
Fans immediately accused Murphy of only hiring Kenworthy for his sexuality.
https://twitter.com/DanielWayneMill/status/1093218108666454018
Will they play a hot couple where the dude ends up having gay sex? Groundbreaking.
— Thunderpuss Radio Mix (@AlexBustillosCh) February 7, 2019
Gus Kenworthy is gonna be on #AHS? Who's next, Troye Sivan? Actually, that's not even a joke, I guarantee Ryan Murphy will cast him at some point.
— John Kubicek (@johnkubicek) February 6, 2019
While others accused him of lacking physical diversity.
people sure do get angry when you joke about a bazillionaire’s type pic.twitter.com/rLWFYloRiL
— that oink oink bitch (@samcorb) February 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/lewisdsswain/status/1093282144980529152
To date, Kenworthy has appeared as himself in documentaries and reality shows such as MTV’s The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars, Top Chef and TBS’ Drop The Mic and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
He has two acting credits, but both are as himself or a skier in ABC’s The Real O’Neals and Sharknado 5: Global Swarming respectively.
As a result, some were concerned with Kenworthy’s overall lack of acting experience.
https://twitter.com/beholdchablis/status/1093246588762304512
https://twitter.com/JonWithTheFace/status/1093421213878308865
However, many also came to both Kenworthy and Murphy’s defense.
I just LOVE seeing some of this hate in the #AHS fandom toward Gus Kenworthy, saying he's a "talentless" actor simply because he hasn't acted professionally before.
At least he's on the show. Tf are you doing with your life, hunty? Take several seats.
— ᱬ Morgan ᱬ (@WillehBeh) February 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/swinning5SOS/status/1093379002625114113
Damn…… @guskenworthy Joins the Cast of ‘American Horror Story’
Thank you Ryan Murphy for casting all these hot dudes.#AHS9 #guskenworthy pic.twitter.com/koHIQHQLy0
— Dennis (@WeHo_1985) February 6, 2019
As for Kenworthy himself? He’s taking it all in stride, tweeting:
“Interviewer: So how did you prepare for this role? Me: I actually played “straight” for the first 23 years of my life…”
Interviewer: So how did you prepare for this role?
Me: I actually played "straight" for the first 23 years of my life… https://t.co/suRyBfRE3Q— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 7, 2019
What do you think of the American Horror Story cast additions? Let us know in the comments below.
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