Hudson Williams, star of the gay sports drama Heated Rivalry, says he won’t stop expressing affection for his co-star Connor Storrie, addressing recent speculation about the pair’s sexuality.
The actors have captivated audiences worldwide as closeted hockey rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in Heated Rivalry, adapted from Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels. The latest episode saw the characters grow closer, delighting fans with intimate, on-screen moments.
A Friendship in the Spotlight
Alongside praise for their performances, Williams and Storrie have faced intense public attention, with some speculating about their real-life sexualities. Director Jacob Tierney noted in a recent interview that there’s no obligation for actors to disclose personal details to the public.
Still, online discussions have accused the pair of “queerbaiting,” citing their physically affectionate friendship and matching tattoos. In an interview with Deadline, Williams acknowledged the speculation but emphasized personal privacy.
“There’s never a question for me, when I would dream of being in the public eye, that I would want just a level of privacy,” Williams said. “Connor and I are best friends, and we love expressing that physically. People can infer what they want, and you have to let it go.”
Williams added that he has no intention of stopping physical expressions of friendship and affection. “I’m never really going to, and I think multiple things can be true at once. We want queer people telling queer stories, but also, you can’t ask that in an audition room.”
Casting and Commitment Over Identity
Both Williams and Storrie emphasized that their dedication to the story is what matters most in casting decisions. Tierney previously noted that enthusiasm for the project outweighs actors’ personal sexual orientations.
“I just loved the story so much, and I wanted to be part of it. Connor feels the same,” Williams said. “That’s the only thing you can gauge.”
Storrie explained that the show’s success necessitates some separation between actors and characters. “I love Ilya, I love the community this show is part of. Who I date or sleep with, that’s my private life,” he said.
Queerbaiting: A Misunderstood Term
The terms “gay baiting” and “queerbaiting” have become common in pop culture to critique actors or creators who hint at LGBTQ+ storylines without confirming real-life sexual identities. Celebrities such as Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, Yungblud, Kit Connor, and Rita Ora have faced similar claims.
Experts stress that queerbaiting properly refers to marketing tactics involving fictional characters, rather than assumptions about real-life actors. In Heated Rivalry, the controversy centers on audience interpretations of on-screen chemistry, not a deliberate strategy to mislead fans.
For fans and critics alike, Williams and Storrie’s stance underscores a delicate balance: celebrating queer storytelling while maintaining the right to personal privacy.
