'Beauty in Black' Star Xavier Smalls Apologizes After Backlash From Resurfaced LGBTQ+ Comments

Xavier Smalls is addressing the backlash surrounding his past remarks, issuing a public apology after a resurfaced Instagram Live drew criticism in the lead-up to the latest release of Beauty in Black.

via: HotNewHipHop

Xavier Smalls is apologizing for some disparaging comments made about members of the LGBTQ+ community last month via an Instagram Live. He's hoping for some level of understanding despite what he said, while taking accountability in the process.

In a statement shared to Instagram, the actor said he has taken time to reflect and acknowledged the impact of his words, writing that he now understands “why my approach may have lacked the love, humility, and awareness that I believe God calls us to have.”

Smalls’ apology directly responds to the viral clip, which circulated widely online as the Tyler Perry series returned to Netflix on March 19. In his statement, he emphasized that conversations with people close to him helped shift his perspective.

The actor shares that people in his circle "did not condemn me" but "corrected me in love." They did so through sharing stories of how certain people within the LGBTQ+ community have been harmed by words and actions.

These allowed him to "see more clearly why words carry so much weight."

Smalls concludes, "I am truly sorry for any pain or hurt that my words caused. Please do not let anyone make you feel less than, including me. I will do better."

As for what he said: "That goes for other sinners. Scoffers, mockers, liars, all things that are an abomination. It's not just the LGBT. If you're drunk, if you're an alcoholic, if you're a murderer, these are all sins that God doesn't tolerate."

Who Is Xavier Smalls?

The timing of this apology does come at an interesting time as his show, Beauty in Black, just had its season two premiere on March 19. As a result, some folks online feel this statement isn't passing the smell test. "Translation: I got the call that I might not come back for next season so now I have to do PR damage control…" one person says on X.

Another adds, "how can he be gay and homophobic?!? it just doesn’t make sense." For those wondering, Smalls portrays a gay character, Angel, on Beauty in Black.

This show, created by Tyler Perry, is one of two projects by the director that he's been involved with. The other includes Madea's Destination Wedding.

He's also been a part of some theatre productions such as Pipeline (Celebration Arts) and She Kills Monsters. Moreover, Smalls has starred in short films Shelf Life and Picture Perfect per Soap Central.