Posted by Lil Nas X has provenly repeatedly he knows how to rile up his millions of social media followers, often using his off-color brand of humor to deflect controversy.
On Friday (October 1), the Grammy Award-winning artist, who’s built a career on being openly gay and proud of it, jokingly suggested to his 7.2 million Twitter followers his gay days were over. But some assumed he was bisexual or potentially not even gay at all.
“This gay shit was fun at first,” he wrote. “I miss pussy now.”
Another openly gay artist, BROCKHAMPTON’s Kevin Abstract, played along and commented, “Pussy fire bro.”
this gay shit was fun at first. i miss pussy now. ?
— MONTERO ? (@LilNasX) October 2, 2021
Lil Nas X then walked back his initial tweet, saying, “nevermind he called back.” According to TMZ, the “he” in the equation is likely dancer Yai Ariza who appeared in the “That’s What I Want” video as the rapper’s love interest.
The two started dating recently but already broke up. However, Lil Nas X has hinted there’s a chance they could reconcile.
nevermind he texted back https://t.co/Ygy28SCU10
— MONTERO ? (@LilNasX) October 2, 2021
Lil Nas X’s sexuality has been near-constant internet fodder since he came out in 2019. The “Old Town Road” breakout star has since fully embraced his identity, upsetting some people along the way.
More recently, his video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” had Christian conservatives and members of the church clutching their proverbial pearls due to the visual’s Satanic imagery and overt sexuality.
In one scene, Lil Nas X grinds on top of Satan’s lap wearing nothing but a pair of tiny black booty shorts and thigh high leather boots, drawing the ire of conservative commentator Candace Owens, Pastor Mark Burns and Grammy Award-winning Christian singer Kaya Jones.
Even Joyner Lucas had a few things to say about the 21-year-old artist’s visual art.
“I think the biggest problem for me is the fact he don’t understand ‘old town road’ is every kids anthem,” Joyner wrote in a since-deleted post. “Children love him for that record. They tuned in and subscribed to his channels. So with no disclaimer he just dropped some left field ish & all our kids seen it. Smh.”
Joyner Lucas Condemns Lil Nas X’s Satanic ‘Montero’ Video While Nick Young Repents For ‘Satan Shoes’ Diss
Despite the controversy, “MONTERO” won Video of the Year at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards in September. His debut album of the same name debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, right behind Drake’s Certified Lover Boy.