'Beauty in Black' Star Xavier Smalls Apologizes After Backlash From Resurfaced LGBTQ+ Comments

Xavier Smalls is addressing the backlash surrounding his past remarks, issuing a public apology after a resurfaced Instagram Live drew criticism in the lead-up to the latest release of Beauty in Black.

In a statement shared to Instagram, the actor said he has taken time to reflect and acknowledged the impact of his words, writing that he now understands “why my approach may have lacked the love, humility, and awareness that I believe God calls us to have.”

Smalls’ apology directly responds to the viral clip, which circulated widely online as the Tyler Perry series returned to Netflix on March 19. In his statement, he emphasized that conversations with people close to him helped shift his perspective.

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“They showed their perspective with me and corrected me in love,” he wrote, adding that the experience gave him “greater insight and understanding.”

He also noted that learning about real-world harm faced by LGBTQ individuals made him reassess the weight of his comments.

In his apology, Smalls also made clear that he does not intend to harm or exclude anyone. “Allow me to be very clear about my heart and intentions. Nothing I shared was meant to condemn or harm anyone,” he wrote.

He continued, “I take full accountability for the fact that the damage done by my words outweighs the intent behind them.”

He also addressed the LGBTQ+ community directly, saying, “I am still learning, and I will continue to learn and grow,” before concluding, “I am truly sorry for any pain or hurt that my words caused.”

The controversy stems from a February Instagram Live in which Smalls discussed religious beliefs about sin and salvation. In the clip, he stated that while God loves everyone, those living in sin could be condemned, and he grouped LGBT+ individuals alongside other categories he described as sinful.

The video resurfaced and gained traction online just as Beauty in Black rolled out new episodes. The actor plays Angel in the Tyler Perry-created drama that has become a hit for Netflix since its October 2024 debut.

The series follows Kimmie, portrayed by Taylor Polidore Williams, as she navigates power, family conflict, and danger after taking control of the Bellarie beauty empire.