Marlon Wayans, the celebrated actor and comedian, recently faced a wave of criticism following a photoshoot he conducted in honor of Pride Month and Father’s Day. As a father to a transgender child, Kai Wayans, and uncle to a lesbian niece, Chaunté Wayans, Marlon’s photoshoot was a powerful statement of allyship to the LGBTQ+ community.
On June 14, Marlon Wayans took to social media to share several images from the shoot. The first post featured him shirtless, draped in a rainbow flag, with a caption that celebrated Pride and Father’s Day while promoting his new Prime Video stand-up special. “Happy PRIDE to all my LGBTQ+ peoples,” he wrote, affirming his straight, cisgender identity but emphasizing his support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The subsequent posts continued in a similar vein, with Marlon Wayans posing amidst colorful balls and wearing Pride-themed attire. He addressed the “hate mongers” directly, declaring his unwavering support for his child and the broader LGBTQ+ community. “Zero fks what people think,” he stated boldly.
Wayans’ posts were met with mixed reactions. While many applauded his support, some voiced their disapproval. Unfazed by the negativity, Wayans continued to share images from the photoshoot throughout the month, each accompanied by captions that challenged homophobia and celebrated acceptance.
The actor’s most direct clapback came in response to a critic who suggested he had failed as a father. Wayans retorted with a sharp and controversial reply involving his niece, which he later shared as a screenshot on his profile. “I’m not regular… don’t come for me,” he captioned the post, asserting his right to support what he believes in on his platform.
Marlon Wayans’ series of posts not only showcased his support for Pride Month but also highlighted the importance of standing up against hate and prejudice. His actions serve as a reminder that love and laughter can indeed drown out hate, as he continues to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with pride and humor.