JoJo Siwa, the 22-year-old dancer and singer, is known for her fearless attitude and powerful presence on screen. However, her appearance on Celebrity Big Brother revealed a deeply personal side to her that fans weren’t prepared for.
JoJo, who has been a role model for millions, made waves when she came out as a lesbian at the age of 17. But after her recent relationship with former Love Island star Chris Hughes, things have dramatically shifted, with fans and the LGBTQ+ community reacting in ways she never expected.
From the Big Brother House to Love and Heartbreak
During her time on Celebrity Big Brother, JoJo was already in a relationship with non-binary actor Kath Ebbs. But as the show progressed, JoJo formed a close friendship with Chris, and it wasn’t long before that friendship blossomed into romance. She confesses, “I had never pictured myself with a man, so I was almost fascinated that I could.”
The relationship, however, was met with a wave of criticism from the LGBTQ+ community. JoJo, who had always championed “love is love,” was shocked when people in her own community turned on her for dating Chris. “I thought the gays would have said, ‘Hey, cool,’” she explains, “but it was my own community that turned on me.”
JoJo faced backlash for what many saw as a contradiction in her identity. Despite her openness about her love for Kath, dating Chris led to intense criticism, with some accusing her of betraying the LGBTQ+ community. “It was like, ‘You’re the villain now,’” she recalls.
Facing the Backlash
The fallout from JoJo’s newfound relationship didn’t just stop online; it became a part of her daily life. “I got death threats every day for everything I do,” JoJo says, expressing how difficult it has been to reconcile the public’s reaction. For someone who has spent years supporting the LGBTQ+ community, the hate she received was an unexpected blow.
Despite the challenges, JoJo maintains that her feelings for Chris are real and authentic. She openly admits that she never expected to fall for a man, but when it happened, it felt “so right.” “When I am tired, he’s the only one I want to speak to,” she says, with a heartfelt smile.
Love, Family, and the Future
Despite the controversy, JoJo’s relationship with Chris is thriving. In fact, the couple has already talked about marriage and children, with JoJo even teasing that if Chris doesn’t propose soon, she will. “Every day, I think about it,” JoJo laughs. “I’m a girl in love – of course I’m thinking about it!”
Although they are separated by distance—JoJo lives in LA while Chris is in the UK—they manage to make it work. “We speak every day, but distance sucks,” JoJo confesses. “When we’re together, Chris is the better chef. I’m a plain cook, I don’t get fancy with it.”
As for her business, JoJo is relaunching her JoJo Bows line, which has been a major success, raking in millions. Now, as creative director, she’s added more grown-up styles to the collection, which she’s dubbed “Joelle Bows” (after her birth name, Joelle Joanie).
Moving Forward Despite the Hate
For JoJo, the hate she receives is just part of the journey. She knows what it feels like to have doubts about a relationship, but with Chris, she’s certain. “When you’re with the human you’re meant to be with, you never have those doubts,” JoJo says, smiling at the thought of their love.
As she continues to navigate the spotlight, JoJo remains resilient and focused on the love she has for Chris, her career, and herself. Despite the setbacks, she remains a beacon of self-acceptance, unapologetically living her truth, and continuing to inspire others to do the same. 💖
