Oliver Stark calls out homophobic ‘9-1-1’ fans for backlash against Buck’s same-sex kiss

Oliver Stark, known for his role as firefighter Evan “Buck” Buckley on the hit show “9-1-1,” recently found himself in the spotlight for a different reason. After the show’s 100th episode featured a same-sex kiss between Buck and fellow firefighter Tommy Kinard, Stark took to Instagram to address homophobic fans who were not happy about the storyline.

In a series of Instagram Stories, Stark expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming positive response to Buck’s storyline. He acknowledged the fans who embraced the kiss and showed their support for the character’s development. However, he also had a message for the haters.

“If you are one of the smaller group of people commenting on my posts about how this has ruined the show, I would like you to know that I truly don’t care,” Stark wrote. He made it clear that “9-1-1” is a show about love and inclusion, and that queer relationships have been a part of the series from the beginning.

Stark emphasized that the show has featured diverse relationships, including a Black lesbian marriage portrayed by two talented actresses. He urged fans who were upset about Buck’s bisexuality to reconsider their views and understand the importance of representation and inclusivity on television.

“This is a show about love and inclusion. It’s featured queer relationships from the very beginning. If one character finding a new facet to his sexuality and realizing his bisexuality is your deal breaker, I fear you’ve missed the entire point of the show,” Stark stated firmly.

He concluded his message by saying, “You are not required to announce your departure,” emphasizing that the show will continue to celebrate diversity and tell authentic stories that reflect the real world.

The decision to incorporate Buck’s bisexuality into the storyline was made by the show’s creators, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Tim Minear. Stark revealed that Minear approached him about the idea and discussed it with Lou Ferrigno Jr., who plays Tommy, before presenting it to him. Stark expressed his excitement for the new direction of Buck’s character and the opportunity to explore this aspect of his identity.

In response to the onscreen kiss, Stark’s co-star Angela Bassett shared her surprise at Buck’s evolving storyline. She noted that Buck had always been portrayed as a ladies’ man and a wildcard, making his newfound bisexuality a surprising development for the character.

As “9-1-1” continues to push boundaries and explore diverse narratives, Stark’s message to fans is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and acceptance in media. The show airs new episodes on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, inviting viewers to embrace love and inclusion in all its forms.