Hollyoaks’ Adam Woodward apologises after appearing to endorse vile transphobic Instagram post
The actor wrote 'absolutely' beneath a transphobic post by Liverpudlian UFC fighter Darren Till.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Instagram/@adam.j.woodward
Hollyoaks star Adam Woodward has apologised after commenting on an Instagram post mocking transgender people.
On Monday (26 July) Liverpudlian UFC fighter Darren Till, 28, shared an image of a pregnant transgender woman having a baby scan, with a lewd emoji visible on the monitor instead of a baby.
Hollyoaks actor Woodward, who has played Brody Hudson on the Channel 4 soap since 2017, commented on the photo with the word ‘Absolutely’ and a skull emoji – shorthand for ‘absolutely dead’.
“The interaction is not indicative of my beliefs or attitude as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community”
In a statement given to the Daily Mail, the actor, said: “’I would like to apologise for engaging with an offensive post on social media. The interaction is not indicative of my beliefs or attitude as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
“I believe in the right of every person to live life being true to themselves without criticism. I will in future be vastly more careful with how my words and emojis can be interpreted and the impact it can have on vulnerable communities that require support.”
Woodward has since deleted the comment. However, since posting his comment he and Till have been accused of stoking homophobia and transphobia.
Former Dragons’ Den contestant Owen Drew, founder of OwenDrewcandles.com, also commented on Till’s post saying: “Transgender people have a hard enough life as it is without being ridiculed by public figures.”
The Mail reports that Drew, who’s gay, was then subjected to insults from Till and others on Instagram. Speaking to the paper, Drew said: “Trans people have a hard enough time in life without public figures inviting ridicule and encouraging hate.
“Some of the comments on Darren’s Instagram were truly appalling and deeply saddened me in light of the homophobic attacks in Liverpool recently and the prejudice encouraged by people who should be ambassadors for the city.
He added, “I believe it is important now more than ever to shine a light on our LGBTQ brothers and sisters in business and celebrate their strength and resilience.”
“I don’t give a s***”
The Liverpool Echo reports that Till has been reported to Merseyside Police following a number of disturbing posts. Merseyside Police say, “enquiries are ongoing”.
After being approached for comment by the Echo Till uploaded a video to his Instagram calling the paper “muppets” and saying he knows he’s controversial and will never “ever, ever, ever” change. He says he knew the post would cause backlash, and that he has transgender friends who he says thought the meme was “hilarious”.
He also says, “You can’t cancel someone who doesn’t give a s*** and I don’t give a s***”. He’s also shared people reposting his video in his Instagram stories, as well as an image with the caption: “F*** the papers and the snowflakes”.