'The Bold and the Beautiful' Faces Backlash Over Twist in Landmark Gay Male Storyline

For over three decades, CBS’s The Bold and the Beautiful has reigned as one of daytime television’s most popular soap operas, weaving tales of romance, intrigue, and family drama in the high-fashion world of Los Angeles. In September 2025, the show made headlines by introducing its first-ever gay male romance, with actors Harrison Cone and Christian Weissmann portraying Deke and Remy, respectively. This historic casting marked a significant step for LGBTQ+ visibility on daytime TV, as the show had previously featured lesbian and transgender characters but never a gay male couple or an on-screen kiss between two men.

Initial reactions from fans and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups were overwhelmingly positive. The storyline not only promised romance but was poised to challenge stereotypes, offering nuanced portrayals of queer men navigating love, family, and career ambitions within the show’s iconic Forrester Creations fashion house. However, the narrative soon took a controversial turn.

In late October 2025, the series introduced a plot twist revealing that one half of the couple, Remy (Christian Weissmann), is romantically drawn to a female character, igniting a storyline which pivots from gay romance to bisexual entanglements. This development, though not unprecedented in soap opera tradition, has been met with criticism from viewers who feel the show is undermining its ground-breaking representation of gay men by quickly shifting focus and muddying the narrative.

LGBTQ+ audiences have voiced disappointment and concern over the show’s handling of its first gay male storyline. Many viewers argue that the rapid introduction of bisexual themes, while valid in broader LGBTQ+ representation, detracts from the significance of a gay male romance finally gaining visibility in a genre where such stories have historically been absent. Some advocacy organizations have raised questions about whether the twist was motivated by a desire to avoid alienating mainstream audiences or to generate sensational storylines rather than provide authentic LGBTQ+ narratives.

This criticism echoes earlier controversies in The Bold and the Beautiful’s history, such as when the show cast a cisgender actress to play Maya Avant, a transgender woman, or when lesbian characters Karen and Danielle’s storyline was quickly sidelined after its introduction. These patterns have led some observers to question the show’s commitment to sustained and meaningful LGBTQ+ representation.

Despite the backlash, The Bold and the Beautiful’s willingness to feature queer relationships marks a broader evolution in daytime television. The soap opera genre, once resistant to LGBTQ+ storylines, has gradually shifted in recent years, with shows like All My Children and Days of Our Lives making strides in portraying same-sex couples and transgender characters.

What sets The Bold and the Beautiful’s current storyline apart is its visibility and the weight of expectation placed upon it. With the show boasting a global audience and multiple Daytime Emmy nominations—including one for Christian Weissmann’s performance—the stakes for authentic LGBTQ+ representation are higher than ever.

In interviews with OUT Magazine, actors Harrison Cone and Christian Weissmann have spoken about the importance of their roles, emphasizing a desire to portray Deke and Remy with depth, sensitivity, and realism. Cone, whose character is an aspiring fashion designer, noted the significance of telling stories that reflect the diversity of real-life queer experiences, while Weissmann expressed hope that their on-screen romance would pave the way for greater representation in the industry.

Producers for The Bold and the Beautiful have responded to criticism by reaffirming their commitment to inclusive storytelling, citing past efforts to feature LGBTQ+ characters and suggesting that the current twist is intended to explore the complexities of sexuality rather than diminish gay representation. However, many viewers remain skeptical, arguing that the timing and execution of the storyline risk perpetuating stereotypes and erasing the visibility of gay men in media.

Despite the controversy, the introduction of Deke and Remy as The Bold and the Beautiful’s first gay male couple represents an undeniable milestone in soap opera history. Whether the current storyline ultimately succeeds in delivering authentic and affirming representation remains to be seen, but the public debate signals a growing demand for media that embraces the complexity and diversity of LGBTQ+ lives.

As the show continues to unfold its narrative, audiences and advocacy organizations will be watching closely—calling for accountability, authenticity, and a commitment to storytelling that uplifts and accurately reflects LGBTQ+ communities.