News | Entertainment
16 Jul 2025 11:08
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Joe Locke wants to get "hate-tweeted" by Donald Trump

    The 21-year-old actor is best known for playing Charlie Spring in 'Heartstopper' and he admitted he is surprised the Netflix drama - which is centred on the romance between his character and Kit Connor's Nick Nelson - hasn't attracted more vocal criticism from certain areas


    He told The Guardian's Saturday magazine: "This world is a very scary place sometimes, and it feels a bit weird that 'Heartstopper' has almost been immune to that - a lot of queer shows get a lot of hate from rightwing groups, and 'Heartstopper' doesn't, and I don't really understand why.

    "You'll often hear Trump supporters talking about queer people and queer shows.

    "I want to get hate-tweeted by Donald Trump!"

    Joe came out as gay to his mum when he was 12 years old and his friends not long afterwards, but he doesn't feel actors need to share their characters' sexuality.

    He said: "I wouldn't want to not be able to play a straight character, so I don't think it's fair to stop someone straight - who can do all the research - from playing a gay character.

    "As long as you're playing a part authentically and with the best intentions - you're not just playing a stereotype - then go for it."

    And while he thinks "representation is really important", the 'Agatha All Along' actor is keen to take on a wide range of roles.

    He said: "I get a lot of auditions for more gay teenage characters, very similar parts, and, while they're great, I've played two gay characters now.

    "Not that I would not want to play another gay character, but I want to be a versatile actor, not get stamped."

    Joe feels "very lucky" he wasn't bullied at school because of his sexuality.

    He said: "I wasn't bullied, but I was also in a very lucky position. There are a lot more issues in schools than people might think, to do with that.

    "Teenagers can be horrible people. Really mean. I don't know if that will ever change.

    "But the things they're being mean about might have changed.

    "Definitely, people still do get bullied for their sexuality; but you might not be bullied for that, and still get bullied for wearing the wrong shoes.

    "I was very lucky that I didn't, but then I was also very quick with my tongue at school."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     16 Jul: AJ McLean reunited with his estranged wife Rochelle DeAnna McLean at the opening night of the Backstreet Boys' residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas
     16 Jul: Eric Idle feels "lucky" to be alive
     16 Jul: Rihanna has "always wanted" a baby girl
     16 Jul: Rita Ora thinks mutual support is the key to her marriage to Taika Waititi
     16 Jul: Sarah Jessica Parker refuses to watch And Just Like That...
     16 Jul: Lala Kent knew about Brock Davies' affair before it became public knowledge
     16 Jul: Billie Lourd's kids will "freak out" about her Smurfs role
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    All Black Sevu Reece has declared himself ready to return to the test arena More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Inflation's back on the rise around the world More...



     Today's News

    International:
    Donald Trump announces trade deal with Indonesia with a 19 per cent levy to be imposed 10:57

    Politics:
    China's Premier Li Qiang calls for more economic ties with Australia in meeting with Anthony Albanese 10:57

    Health & Safety:
    Research shows possible protective factors for dementia, and stroke from weight-loss jabs - with more research needed 10:47

    Entertainment:
    AJ McLean reunited with his estranged wife Rochelle DeAnna McLean at the opening night of the Backstreet Boys' residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas 10:40

    Motoring:
    Whakatane's Reid Road is closed between Cross Road and Awahou Road following a serious two-vehicle crash 10:27

    Entertainment:
    Eric Idle feels "lucky" to be alive 10:10

    National:
    Lagos is young and diverse, so what shapes ethnic and religious prejudice among teens? Our study tried to find out 10:07

    Soccer:
    The Club World Cup in Trump's America showed co-hosting the biggest global sport event may be an issue 10:07

    Living & Travel:
    Air New Zealand has dropped to tenth when it comes to punctuality - despite being named the world's safest airline 10:07

    Entertainment:
    Rihanna has "always wanted" a baby girl 9:40


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd