Nick Amato, a contestant on Season 6 of Netflix’s Love Is Blind, is speaking out after sparking intense backlash over a comment that many viewers saw as dismissive of LGBTQ+ identities, specifically those of queer children.
The controversy erupted after Episode 4 of the show aired, in which Amato appeared to suggest during a conversation with Annie Lancaster that being LGBTQ+ is a “fad” among children. The moment went viral almost instantly, prompting widespread criticism online and from LGBTQ+ advocates.
Now, the 28-year-old has taken to Instagram to clarify what he meant, and to take accountability.
In a video shared to his Instagram account, Amato said his words were edited in a way that misrepresented his intentions.
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“The studio reached out and said, ‘Look, tell people that it was cut up and it’s meant to agitate, right?’” he explained. “Yes, it was, and that conversation was very heavily sliced and diced. But call me shallow, and call me horny, and that I have no depth of character—I can take that. It’s reality TV. It’s fair game. But don’t put something together that’s going to agitate an already marginalized group of people.”
Amato went on to explain what he claims he actually meant by the word “fad.”
“When I used the term ‘fad,’ I was talking about the overintroduction of sexual content and material to kids’ shows at a young age, or the idea of gay identity being treated like a trend,” he said. “That’s not the same as saying kids who are LGBTQ+ are just going through a phase, and I understand now how damaging it is for it to sound that way.”
Despite his frustration with the editing, Amato said he accepts responsibility for his words.
“I’m taking accountability for that too, because there’s a lot that I didn’t understand,” he said. “The way I grew up and the culture I was raised in was that you have experiences, and you make decisions based on those experiences, and we all love you regardless for that.”
Reflecting on how media shapes identity, he added: “If I had a kid that only grew up seeing a prince and a princess get married—never was introduced to the idea of two moms or two dads—then yes, I bet they would have to defend themselves and feel really awkward for having gay thoughts if they were gay.”
Amato acknowledged that the backlash prompted important conversations with friends, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community.
“There’s so much hate in this world that if I can’t use this platform to help introduce other people that used to think like I did to some of these new ideas… then it’s a platform wasted,” he said. “I’m so grateful for some of my gay friends for reaching out and being like, ‘Nick, we know that’s not you but this is what you have to understand.’”
In the caption of his Instagram post, Amato reiterated his support for the LGBTQ+ community and for any future children he might have.
“I will LOVE and support my future children unconditionally, no matter how they identify,” he wrote. “I take full accountability for how my words came across, but I’m glad it provoked this discussion and my learning.”
He also pointed to his upbringing as part of the context, not an excuse, for his blind spots.
“I was born in a traditional Midwestern environment, and I now recognize how that shaped certain blind spots (I’m thankful for the support of my friends recently for helping me learn this). That’s not an excuse, just part of the work I’m doing to grow and be better. I love and respect my LGBTQ+ friends deeply, and I’m committed my growth and to be a better ally. Thank you to those who have approached me with patience and honesty. I’m listening.”
Love Is Blind Season 6 premiered on Netflix to immediate buzz, and criticism, with Amato being one of several cast members now responding to online hate and public scrutiny following the first episodes.
