Chip Gaines built a huge fan base by sharing Christian family values on TV. But he turned on his own fans this week when they complained about his show featuring a gay couple. Gaines attacked Christian viewers as hateful for questioning his decision.
The gay couple celebrated being on Gaines’ show to normalize same-sex parenting. They said visibility helps make others “feel safe and validated.” Their appearance was political from the start.
Many conservative fans felt betrayed after years supporting the Gaines as Christians. These fans expected content matching traditional family values they promote.
Gaines responded horribly to the backlash. He called modern American Christians “judgmental” and “close-minded.” He claimed Christians show “hate or vitriol” toward non-believers. This is a slap to loyal supporters.
It’s outrageous for Gaines to bite the hand that fed his success. He built an empire appealing to faith-based audiences then insults them as intolerant. True intolerance is smearing millions of Christians unfairly.
This elite hypocrisy is typical. Celebrities use conservative audiences for profit then mock their values. Gaines’ ugly remarks show contempt for everyday Americans who loved his brand.
Family-loving Americans won’t be lectured about tolerance by someone benefiting from their support. Real tolerance respects viewers’ right to disagree without being called hateful.
Christians deserve better than being smeared by those they trusted. Gaines should apologize to the fans he wronged instead of attacking their faith.
