This is sweet. Wait until this poor kid grows up, realizes what you’ve done, and stuffs both of you dismembered into a freezer in the garage pic.twitter.com/1k3ITApFsF
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 10, 2017
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The mother in the tweeted photograph is blogger Lori Duron, who wrote about her son C.J.’s experience at the parade—which she says was his first Pride celebration. “My sweet, fabulous, rainbow boy has never received so many compliments,” she wrote. “He’s used to getting stares and whispers when we’re out in public. He’s not used to getting the smiles, hugs, and encouragement he received at Pride.”
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Naturally, the actor received all kinds of heat on Twitter for his comments, including a reaction from Neil. “Utterly ignorant and classless, Mr. Woods,” he wrote on Twitter. “I’m friends with this family. You know not of what you speak, and should be ashamed of yourself.”
Utterly ignorant and classless, Mr. Woods. I’m friends with this family. You know not of what you speak, and should be ashamed of yourself. https://t.co/ZrbtZH49sp
— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) July 11, 2017
Many other followers chimed in to condemn James’ comments and voice support of Neil, Lori, and her son:
Yes. Most importantly, let’s throw LOVE at this amazing family— a family we call friends
— Vanessa Ford (@VanessaFordDC) July 12, 2017
Please make sure this family feels hears the love. This is despicable. They should be lauded their son is beautiful. True parent goals.
— Surprise_Island (@Surprise_Island) July 12, 2017
Self-loathing burns through these hateful comments. And ignorance. Children thrive with acceptance and freedom.
— Nicolas Falacci (@NickFalacci) July 11, 2017
For her part, Lori told People that James’ comments were “troubling.” “It’s really gross to me any time that adults talk about children that way,” she said, and added that she thought James should “know better.” But in a tweet Wednesday she shared her gratitude for Neil and others who defended her:
Still processing much of the last 24 hours. But I know for sure, @ActuallyNPH is class act and our village assembles at a moment’s notice. https://t.co/lJ9vVNKEqH
— Raising My Rainbow (@RaisingRainbow) July 12, 2017
Lori also raised the point with People that James’ tweet was incredibly “misinformed.” “LGBTQ youth don’t hurt their parents, they hurt themselves,” she said. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, LGBTQ people are three times as likely to suffer from mental illness, largely due to the fear of (and experience of) discrimination for one’s sexual orientation or identity. For LGBTQ people aged 10 to 24, suicide is the leading cause of death. By embracing their son’s identity, Lori and her husband are most likely setting up CJ for a happy, healthy future.