Jeff's Homophoic Rant on the Feeds

Sigh. Was anybody else disappointed/disgusted by this? Jeff revealed himself to be a homophobe by saying that Dumbledore from Harry Potter shouldn't be gay cuz gay men can't be around little kids. Here's the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6WfMyg11Lc&feature=player_embedded

Way to go Kalia for standing up for gay rights even though she's straight! And please Jeff fans, please don't give a lame, "That's not homophobic" crap. One can be a fan of Jeff and still be shocked/disappointed by his ignorance. I liked Jeff on his season and I'm gay, and I was SO disappointed to hear him spew this bigotry. Saying that gay men can't be left alone with kids IS homophobic because it assumes that all gay men are pedophiles. Why would it be any different to leave a straight man with a bunch of young girls, for example? Especially since most pedophiles actually are straight men?

What really bothered me about this too is that poor Kalia was incredulous because she knew he was being ignorant, but Jeff got mad at her for what he thought was "playing up the PC answer for the camera" and she's all, "Uh no dude, you're just wrong." He really believed what he was saying was just logical and she was just being "too PC." In other words, not being narrow-minded about gay people is an inconvenience for Jeff, a "PC approach" rather than an enlightened one. The true sign of a myopic ignorant bigot.

It's disgusting too that Rachel, Brendan and Daniele just sat there without calling him on it. Unbelievable.

As for Kalia? You GO girl!

Here's a transcript of Jeff's ignorance if you don't have time to or just can't watch the video:

In the HOH; Jeff says if he's around when Harry Potter is being played, it makes him want to nap. Jordan says the story about it is cool... how the lady wrote it on a train.. she was poor and sat on a train and wrote the story. Those in the HOH argue about whether Rowling was poor.

Kalia says she was totally poor and wrote the book to make money and to entertain her kids. Then Rachel starts to talk about Hagrid and Dumledore. Kalia says that Rowling wrote the Dumbledore character as a gay character originally. Everyone in HOH is surprised by this.

Jeff says "Who's Dumbledorf.. who is that, the big guy?".. Rachel then says "why would she want a gay character?" while Jeff in the background says "That would be perverted!" Kalia explains that she made the character so that her kids and other kids would understand homosexuality.

Jeff says "how is he meant to be gay? he doesn't have any gay tendencies..." Kalia interrupts and says "maybe that's the point! so that people like you don't stereoptype gay people".

Jeff says "WHAT DO YOU mean stereotypes around gay people? He's in a school with little kids, you can't make THAT GUY GAY!"

Kalia squeeled "WHYYYY? Gay men can't work with little kids!?"

Jeff says "it isn't right to have it in a little kids book, and have the head master locked away in this magical land, be gay. That isn't the right kind of writing to do."

Kalia doesn't see anything wrong with it. "I don't see why not!"

Jeff says "Oh I can see your PC view of it, but it's not the right thing to do..." she asks him "WHY is it PC?"

Jeff says to her "Listen, you know what I'm talking about and don't make it seem like your doing the right thing by saying it's not! You are going to let your kids read a story book where little kids go to fantasy camp without their parents and the guy is GAY?"

Kalia: "Just because he is gay, doesn't mean there is a thing wrong with him!"

Jeff: "GTFO! Don't start with that f'in *****!" While Kalia is trying to defend herself, Jeff is yelling louder "Don't tell me the right answer for f'n T.V.!..."

Kalia: "I'm not doing it for t.v! You want to know why I do it? My little sister is gay!"

Jeff: "I don't give a f**k if your sister's gay! Think about what it is!"

Kalia: "I truly don't understand..."

Jeff: "You don't understand what I'm talking about?? Then I don't understand either."

Kalia: "I don't understand why he can't be a headmaster.."

Jeff: "You're right, you're right! I don't want to talk about it then!"

Kalia put her head down in exasperation, and this convo ended.

I feel that this is the work of 'He Who Must Not Be Named'. He clearly has entered Jeff's body and is spewing all this bigotry, duhhhhh. He's called the Dark Lord for a reason ;)

^^ A man entering Jeff's body? I dunno, that might be "too gay" for Jeff.

Youtube has removed the original video. Here's another one. I've downloaded it to my computer to if they remove this one too, just PM me and I'll email it to you if you want to see it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiEWXA4_UAg

I can't believe you people. Why are you so shocked. Jeff spoke like this in BB11.

Wow Smooches, I enjoy your comments on the radio show but your response is unbelievable.

Did you even read the post or watch the video? He didn't say a derogatory word. He went on and on that gay people shouldn't be in charge of children and that books shouldn't portray gay characters being in charge of children (the implication being that gay people are all sexual predators, he even used the word "perverted").

I know you're a Jeff fan but are you kidding me? No one is saying he doesn't have the right to say what he wants. But WE also have the right to say what WE want. Free speech works both ways. And it doesn't negate the fact that what he's saying is homophobic. The video is pretty bad. He gets really irate and insists that there is something wrong with children being around gay people.

I'm gay and the implication that I shouldn't be allowed around children because being gay makes me a pedophile is INCREDIBLY OFFENSIVE. I can't believe you can't see that.

If this were pre-civil rights and Jeff said white children shouldn't be left alone with black people, would that be OK?

Um I'm a person of color too Smooches so the Civil Rights thing applies to me too.

If you want to like Jeff despite his bigotry, that's totally your call and your prerogative. But what he said IS homophobic, whether you like it or not. There are lots of people who have homophobic/racist views and still proudly say, "I have gay/black friends" as I'm sure you know. The fact that Jeff acts nice around Lowan doesn't preclude him from being a homophobe.

I'm not one to jump on the bigotry bandwagon just because someone uses a bad word (especially if it's clearly a joke) but if you say gay adults shouldn't be in charge of children implying that gay adults are all pedophiles (which is especially hilarious since statistically most pedophiles are actually straight men) then yes, that is homophobic.

In all honesty, I really don't see too much wrong with what he said. The man is entitled to his opinion! I don't too much like the way he was getting loud with Kalia, but his actual statements don't bother me because it's how he feels. Just because he has different views from you doesn't make him a bigot. I feel like people are way too quick to label someone a homophobe and it pisses me the hell off! Homophobia is the fear of homosexuals, and I don't think I heard Jeff ever said anything about fearing gays.

Hi Nikolas, first let me say welcome to the forum! I hope you stick around!

I have so much to say on this subject, I just dont know where to begin. I was on twitter last just getting ready to call it a night when the story broke. Its clear that what Jeff said offended a lot of people. Is he entitled to his opinion...absolutely. Will he regret those statements....absolutely. Should he be villified and crucified for his statements...absolutely not. He's a big boy and he will have to deal with it when he leaves the Big Brother house. Part of the problem that I have with the whole thing is what I saw being spewed on Twitter last night as a result of his comments. Ex HGs who have NOH8 on their pics, who have particpated in full blown sex for money, who have treated women in the BB house with utter disdain, who have used the C**t word freely when speaking about a woman (why is it that so often we tend to ignore when a woman is so totally degraded?), who have used derogatory and racist terms against a fellow BB HG... I could go on and on but I think you get the point, were calling Jeff out bigtime. I couldnt believe what I was seeing nor the hypocrisy. Its almost like they were just waiting for the opportunity to pounce on anything to make themselves relevant again. Didnt work. One ex HG in particular tweeted half a dozen or so ex HGs with this message: Help me to bring Jeff Schroeder down!!!
UM WHAT??? Seriously? I swear I thought they were building the cross while the others were gathering the nails and the hammer to crucify this guy.
So basically what they are saying to me is this, "We are fighting for people to respect and accept our beliefs and lifestyles yet we clearly do not respect anyone elses".
I dont want anyone to get me wrong about this...he made a mistake...YES! But his mistake was compounded and magnified 100 times over by these holier than thou self righteous pompous asses.
Erika and I have a follower who is 17 years old. She's a very sweet and wise beyond her years girl. She was a big Matt fan last year. At one point she tweeted that she was going to go because she couldnt stand all the hate she was seeing.....ironic, isnt it?

To be honest I don't really think Jeff meant to say what he said. I think he was shocked by hearing there was a gay character in a children book and then I think he got defensive when she said to change his stereotypes. I think he was thinking about all the troubles he got in season 11 and didn't want that to happen again and got heated and was extremely poor in explain himself. Jeff isn't the best at expressing himself especial when heated as we saw in his season.

Everyone is still talking about what he said when he was yelling but no one is talking about what he said to Brendan afterwards when he said he spoke to Kalia and he said it had nothing to do with gays being in power and they could run a camp he didn't care. Also Kalia talked to Lawon about it without saying exactly what happened and she said Jeff told her that she was right and that they were misunderstanding each other and apologized to her.

Sad thing Sammy is that people will not remember that nor will they care that it happened. They will only remember the negative and not the attempt to make amends and apologize for being small minded. It takes a big person to admit they were wrong. Some OTHER hgs should try that!!

Lorraine, thanks for the welcome! I've enjoyed your and Erika's show for the past few seasons!

This isn't about past houseguests though. I agree that very few of them have a moral leg to stand on, but that doesn't change the fact that Jeff's comments were homophobic and offensive. For example, if I killed someone and OJ Simpson publicly vilified me for it, yes that would make him a hypocrite and no that is NOT his lesson to teach, but that wouldn't change the fact that I KILLED SOMEONE. See what I mean? Jeff fans are tripping over themselves to 1) pretend this isn't homophobic which is just astounding to me given the clarity and unequivocal ignorance of his rant and 2) deflect the matter by criticizing those who criticize him (including past houseguests). I know you're all Jeff fans but come on people.

And I'm sorry, he didn't "make a mistake", he revealed a prejudice.

And it's not even the fact that he said it, per se. What's disappointing to me is that Jeff really believes that gay people should not be in charge of children. There's no nuance there, I'm sorry. He was arguing with Kalia and telling her not to "give the PC answer" because he really truly believes that gay people chaperoning children is dangerous. He kept getting exasperated with her "PC answer" because he truly couldn't understand that more open minded people don't conflate homosexuality and pedophilia. That's what disturbs me the most.

Last year didn't many of us agree with Ragan when he called Rachel's "ooey gooey" comment homophobic? And that was clearly a joke on her part. Or how about Chima's "terrorist" jab at Russell, which many of us agreed was based in racism (or at the very least, Islamophobia)? And what Jeff said is far worse than either of those things because it's not a derogatory word unleashed in the heat of the moment; it's a revelation of a belief system based on real ignorance and bigotry. It's an offensive condemnation of gay teachers, gay social workers, gay child psychologists, gay parents and all manner of people who deal with children on a daily basis who just happen to be gay.

This incident should be null and voided...People here who have watched big brother religously have missed there time to get on Jeff's case. I know the saying better late than never, but in this situation it doesn't fly. Scream at the heavens, light torches and carry pitch fork Jeff is not gonna have to face this at all cause you know what it WILL be forgotten like it was ignored in BB11. What he said during BB11 was way worse and Jordan did the same damn thing that season too. Was there an uproar...Nope. I know I spoke up about but the majority of the public gave to shits about. SO SORRY TO SAY I CAN'T DEFEND AN ISSUE WHEN THERE IS SELECTIVE CRITICISM!.

sammyf wrote:

Everyone is still talking about what he said when he was yelling but no one is talking about what he said to Brendan afterwards when he said he spoke to Kalia and he said it had nothing to do with gays being in power and they could run a camp he didn't care. Also Kalia talked to Lawon about it without saying exactly what happened and she said Jeff told her that she was right and that they were misunderstanding each other and apologized to her.

I didn't see this part but a mollifying answer said after the fact seems far more likely a "PC answer" (as Jeff accused Kalia of doing) than his original rant. It's the kind of thing bigots always say after the fact when either 1) they're caught and criticized or 2) they realize they will be caught and criticized.

I think it's far more revealing what he said in a moment of honesty. If you think he "didn't mean what he said" in an argument where he seemed very certain and not confused at all, and where he outright said that you can't have a gay man in charge of children because that would be "perverted" -- if you don't see what he clearly means by that, then I really don't know what to tell you.

In addition people are attacking him for either being a bigot or ignorant the man had self realization. He eplained himself afterwards to kalia and even apolgized to her if he offended her. That actually happened and that is not even being discussed by the media.

leahtahd wrote:

Just because he has different views from you doesn't make him a bigot. I feel like people are way too quick to label someone a homophobe and it pisses me the hell off! Homophobia is the fear of homosexuals, and I don't think I heard Jeff ever said anything about fearing gays.

Homophobia isn't just about "fearing gays" since very few people are that fearful anymore. It's about a system of bigotry. But if you insist, we can use words literally: what Jeff said was ignorant and bigoted.

And it's not about him having a different view. This is about Jeff really believing that gay adults should not be in charge of children. It's about him equating homosexuality with pedophilia and child abuse. If THAT statement isn't clearly ignorance or bigotry (or yes, homophobia despite your narrow definition of it), then I genuinely don't know what to tell you.

Nikolas wrote:

Lorraine, thanks for the welcome! I've enjoyed your and Erika's show for the past few seasons!

This isn't about past houseguests though. I agree that very few of them have a moral leg to stand on, but that doesn't change the fact that Jeff's comments were homophobic and offensive. For example, if I killed someone and OJ Simpson publicly vilified me for it, yes that would make him a hypocrite and no that is NOT his lesson to teach, but that wouldn't change the fact that I KILLED SOMEONE. See what I mean? Jeff fans are tripping over themselves to 1) pretend this isn't homophobic which is just astounding to me given the clarity and unequivocal ignorance of his rant and 2) deflect the matter by criticizing those who criticize him (including past houseguests). I know you're all Jeff fans but come on people.

And I'm sorry, he didn't "make a mistake", he revealed a prejudice.

And it's not even the fact that he said it, per se. What's disappointing to me is that Jeff really believes that gay people should not be in charge of children. There's no nuance there, I'm sorry. He was arguing with Kalia and telling her not to "give the PC answer" because he really truly believes that gay people chaperoning children is dangerous. He kept getting exasperated with her "PC answer" because he truly couldn't understand that more open minded people don't conflate homosexuality and pedophilia. That's what disturbs me the most.

Last year didn't many of us agree with Ragan when he called Rachel's "ooey gooey" comment homophobic? And that was clearly a joke on her part. Or how about Chima's "terrorist" jab at Russell, which many of us agreed was based in racism (or at the very least, Islamophobia)? And what Jeff said is far worse than either of those things because it's not a derogatory word unleashed in the heat of the moment; it's a revelation of a belief system based on real ignorance and bigotry. It's an offensive condemnation of gay teachers, gay social workers, gay child psychologists, gay parents and all manner of people who deal with children on a daily basis who just happen to be gay.

You are quite right Nikolas, this is NOT about the past houseguest although they tried very hard to make it about themselves. I guess my point was that this was CLEARLY a controversial statement made by Jeff that offended the gay communtiy as a whole. If your statement

Quote :

what Jeff said is far worse than either of those things because it's not a derogatory word unleashed in the heat of the moment; it's a revelation of a belief system based on real ignorance and bigotry.

is a true statement, then is it our duty to educate, inform and perhaps enlighten rather then add fuel to the fire and perpetuate the hate?? This isnt our "first time at the rodeo" as far as being offended by ones beliefs or shortcomings in the BB house or on reality tv as a whole. Is it any less disappointing when it happens over and over again? Of course not.
What you are stating and how you are stating it Nikolas is exactly what I want to hear! A clear, logical explanation as to why you are offended (not that I needed one) and not someone riding in on their high, self righteous horse and combating hatred with more hatred. Seems pointless doesnt it? I hope I am making myself clear and not offending anyone with what I am saying. Sometimes its hard to express yourself on twitter, facebook, message boards etc and articulate yourself the way you want to.
Good posting Nikolas, you are certainly a welcome addition here!!

pajamajon wrote:

In addition people are attacking him for either being a bigot or ignorant the man had self realization. He eplained himself afterwards to kalia and even apolgized to her if he offended her. That actually happened and that is not even being discussed by the media.

As I said before, I don't think a retraction stated after the fact means much 1) in a game of social strategy where he may need to build good relationships with Kalia, Lowan et al and 2) by a popular player who probably knows he'll be criticized after the show.

And as you pointed out, this is the same guy who called Russell "faggot" in his season. This was just an extension of that comment, but it belies the same bigotry.

Thank you Lorraine. I appreciate the fact that you read my post and really considered the particulars, despite being a Jeff fan. And as I've stated before, I enjoy your show with Erika and will continue to do so.

(BTW just to clarify, I hated Natalie and her goons on BB11 and rooted for Jeff and Jordan, which is also why I find his bigotry so disappointing.)

For me, it is not a question of liking or disliking Jeff. I do not think that anyone can logically argue that Jeff's comments were NOT a symptom of "homophobia." Homophobia is not limited to a fear of gay people, but includes a prejudice against gay people. This DOES not mean that Jeff is afraid of gay people or that he "hates" them. He did (as has been noted) reveal a prejudice that (unfortunately) many people have in our society. It may be a prejudice that he himself did not know that he had.

Rather than hating on someone for their (often unexamined) ignorance, it provides a great opportunity for all of us to examine our beliefs and where we may be out of integrity with logic, reason and investing in fear, stereotypes, and the discomfort of difference. There are few in society who would label themselves as bigoted, homophobic, ageist, chauvinistic, etc.; yet, it exists. The indictment is too strong, unsettling and ugly for most to even entertain the possibility that such possibilities exist underneath the surface. I think that most of us carry seeds or full-grown prejudice (often unexamined). If this is something that we would rather not claim, this is another opportunity to look in the mirror. What assumptions do I have that may be causing me to think less of people that are different than me?

If we simply indict, convict and punish people for expressing what they believe to be true (no matter how ignorant), we risk driving them underground, masking their beliefs in political correctness; as a result, we lose the opportunity to grow, evolve and learn.

As a gay man who continues to struggle with the hurt, rejection, anger and the whole range of emotions that comes with the inequalities in our society, I must continue to ask myself, "what would LOVE do?" If I expect OTHERS to be accepting, I must stay diligent in examining my own thoughts, words and actions in this regard. This does not mean that I look the other way. It means that I must do what I can to center myself and do whatever possible to come from a place of non-judgment before having the conversation that invites another to consider the truth of their assumption. I am far from perfect, but I am conscious of my work in that regard.

If you have Jeff on your show, I would love to speak with him about the seeds that may or may not be at the core of his assumption. My assumption is, like most of us, he is "good guy" doing what he knows, absent of any conscious malice and trying to make it in the world. That said, statements of this nature offer an incredible opportunity and it is my hope that Jeff (and all of us) will take it to consider how we can all be EVEN MORE effective as people. When we know better, we do better.

What would love do?

Well said Chicago Mark! And I agree with all of it!

I'm totally with you that instead of just condemning, we should use opportunities like these to educate and enlighten people like Jeff and hopefully that will happen once he's out of the house. Again just to clarify, I was a Jeff and Jordan fan on BB11. His ignorance disgusted me as a person, and disappointed me as a fan.

ChicagoMark wrote:

I do not think that anyone can logically argue that Jeff's comments were NOT a symptom of "homophobia."

And yet several posters in this forum were trying to argue just that, which is why I was so fierce in my initial response. The thing fans need to realize is that we're not doing Jeff any favors by pretending he didn't mean what he said, or by (and this one really astounds me) pretending what he said wasn't homophobic. We can't educate or hope to change someone until we acknowledge the bigotry first. Can't solve a problem before you identify it right?

Thank you again Chicago Mark for your wonderful post!