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Actor and comedian Will Ferrell sparked widespread reactions across social media after candidly sharing his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding transgender individuals, during a recent interview.
On September 25, 2024, Ferrell sat with The Independent to discuss the forthcoming Netflix documentary Will & Harper, and more. During the interview, the California artist took a moment to reflect on the transgender community. He suggested that he does not see any legitimate reason to view transgender individuals as a threat to himself or society.
"But I don't know why trans people are meant to be threatening to me as a cis male." Ferrell said.
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His remarks ignited a wave of reactions on X, with many suggesting that his comment may be interpreted as a critique of Trump's rhetoric, often seen as allegedly antagonistic toward the trans community, including their rights. Trump has previously supported various laws that support anti-transgender community rights, as per the ACLU.
"The trump shade," one commented.
Some users on X responded to Ferrell's concern, suggesting that politicians and opportunistic individuals noticed how effective propaganda was in gaining support. Others also implied that no one cares about the trans community and their happiness.
"Because politicians and grifters saw how well the propaganda around it worked," one wrote.
"Nobody cares if they're happy. Women care about men being in their bathrooms and taking their opportunities," netizen on X.
"Fr let them do their own thing," another commented.
Many further praised Will Ferrell for his remarks, suggesting that Ferrell had always been honest, with some calling him a "king."
"He always been real," one wrote.
"Will Ferrel being a goat as usual," another said on X.
"He spilled what a king," another commented.
"HE ENDED TRANSPHOBIA W THIS," one more wrote on X.
"The way he worded this? 10/10," another wrote.
In his interview, Will Ferrell did not explicitly mention Trump, but online commentators quickly drew parallels. Moreover, Ferrell has not yet reflected on the online reactions.
Will Ferrell comments on transgender community amid the release of Netflix documentary Will & Harper
On Wednesday, Will Ferrell spoke with The Independent about his concerns regarding the persistence of transphobia in society. He emphasized that there is significant hatred directed toward transgender individuals, highlighting the ongoing challenges the community faces.
While discussing his close friend Harper Steele (formerly Andrew Steele), an American comedy writer, Will Ferrell expressed that Harper is thriving and happy following her transition. He further asserted that if individuals feel threatened by the transgender community, it may indicate a lack of confidence within themselves.
"I don't know why Harper is threatening to me. It's so strange to me, because Harper is finally… her. She's finally who she was always meant to be," Ferrell said.
He continued,
"Whether or not you can ultimately wrap your head around that, why would you care if somebody's happy? Why is that threatening to you? If the trans community is a threat to you, I think it stems from not being confident or safe with yourself," Ferrell added.
Moreover, during the conversation with The Independent, Ferrell suggested that transphobia stems from a general human tendency to fear what is unfamiliar or not well-understood.
"I think we fear what we don't know," Ferrell said.
More about Will & Harper
Following the release of Will & Harper on Netflix on January 22, 2024, Will Ferrell explained the concept of the documentary, suggesting that it provides an opportunity for the individuals involved to reconnect and reassess their relationship with the people who have gone through the transition.
"At the same time, it would give us a chance to reconnect and figure out what this transition means to our relationship," Ferrell commented.
According to Netflix, when Will Ferrell's good friend Harper comes out as a trans woman, they plan a 17-day road trip across the United States, to bond and reintroduce Harper to the country as her true self.
The documentary is available to stream on Netflix.
