Joe Locke backs Kit Connor exit: 'Proud to have him controlling the narrative'

Kit Connor is best known for playing Nick in the Netflix LGBTQ+ rom-com series “Heartstopper,” which follows teens as they navigate school, feelings, and sexualities. While the series itself shines a light on LGBTQ+ characters in a beautifully authentic way – giving many of them plenty of room to come out at their own pace – the compassionate message behind the show seemed to have been lost on many. when Connor was apparently bullied into coming out as bisexual.

The 'Rocketman' star wrote a tweet late Oct. 31 announcing he was bisexual, but added that he felt pressured to come out after being harassed by fans. The actor wrote, "Back a minute. I'm bi. Congratulations on forcing an 18 year old to speak out. I think some of you missed the point of the show. Goodbye."

In a Teen Vogue interview published Aug. 7, Connor's "Heartstopper" co-star Joe Locke opened up about the incident online and shared that he's glad Connor decided to make it right. on his own terms. "We were all very proud of him, and we're proud that he's in control of the narrative...I'm very proud of him for doing his own thing and doing what was right for him," Locke said, adding that he' d kissed Connor on set the day the tweet was posted. "There's an idea that it's part of the job to lose your privacy, that you lose your right to privacy. I hope the next generation of people in the public eye can change... I think the people understand that privacy is a non-negotiable."

Locke also shared his support on Twitter the same day Connor posted his tweet, writing, "You don't owe anyone anything. I'm so proud of you my friend ????." Kizzy Edgell, who plays Darcy Olsson, tweeted: "I love you, I'm sorry this was so disgusting for you. I was treated so unfairly" as...