Trans Icon Laverne Cox Reveals MAGA Cop Boyfriend on Instagram (It Does Not Go Well)
‘Gurl, what?’ — the internet
Trans actress and activist Laverne Cox is facing intense criticism from LGBTQ+ community members after revealing she spent years in a relationship with a MAGA-supporting NYPD officer — a revelation that conveniently coincided with promoting her upcoming show at City Winery in New York City.
Cox, 52, disclosed the relationship while promoting her upcoming one-woman show, casually mentioning that her ex-boyfriend was "a blonde-haired, blue-eyed MAGA Republican voter who is a New York City police officer" who was 26 when they met five years ago during the pandemic. Because nothing says relationship goals quite like dating someone who votes for politicians actively working to erase your existence.
The revelation sparked immediate backlash, fueled not only by Cox's prominence as a trans advocate but also by its timing — the same day she criticized Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. Critics pointed out the irony of dating someone whose political party has made attacking trans rights a cornerstone of their platform. Oh, and of course the other timing — Cox really, really wants you to know she’s performing her show “City Winery NYC Presents Laverne Cox: Gurrl How Did I Get Here?” at City Winery on July 28.
Rather than acknowledging the legitimate concerns raised by her community, Cox doubled down during an Instagram Live session, attempting to "humanize" her ex and arguing that calling MAGA supporters fascists is somehow equivalent to their dehumanization of marginalized communities. She insisted there's a meaningful distinction between voting for fascism and being a fascist — a take that's about as convincing as it sounds.
Cox claimed she was initially unaware of his politics and profession, saying he lied to her when they first met. But even after discovering these details, she chose to continue the relationship, raising questions about her judgment and priorities. One priority for sure is her City Winery show. It’s one-night only, everyone! It’s at 8 p.m. and she’ll tell us more about why it’s totally cool that she dated a MAGA cop for several years knowing full well he was voting against her right to exist AT THE SHOW.
Cox followed up her Instagram Live by posting the full video, writing "Gurl I had to reply to the comments on the post about my ex. I love you all still." It did not go well.
Community responds with disappointment and disbelief
Cox’s attempt at damage control only sparked more criticism from followers who felt betrayed by her choices.
“‘I love you all still’ well you definitely, permanently and very rightfully lost the respect of so many people right now. I hope it was worth it," wrote rezgarp13.
Several commenters questioned her motives, with mikal_ray asking "All this to promote a show at City Winery??" while ladyplaysbass expressed deep disappointment: "Girl, tbh I can't even listen to this shit. You think it's cutesy and funny. Cops have never been good to us. Ngl, this is highly disappointing and now I have a completely different opinion of you."
Others pointed out the painful irony of the situation. "He literally supports someone who had you scared and hoarding estrogen. Come on now," wrote tothamaxx, while ib_dogmom was more direct: "He voted against YOU! He voted against who you are and what you stand for, your basic rights! He voted against who you advocate for, your trans community. You may have "loved" him, but he most certainly did NOT love you."
The comparison to Caitlyn Jenner came up repeatedly, with smp21 writing "NOPE .... ITS GIVING CAITLYN JENNER," referencing the former Olympian's support for Republican politicians despite their anti-trans positions.
One of the most pointed responses came from theereealkeei, who wrote: "Auntie Laverne. I beg your finest fucking pardon? I'm sorry. You are a Trans Elder and I just….are you acting? You're an amazing actress! Is this a method technique? Nahh this is improve! Gowrlll you GOT MEEE!! lol 🤣. Are you being serious? Oh Lawd. I need to sit down."
heycheyennehey summed up many people's feelings: "There is no defending MAGA. I don't understand how you can't see this. 'He had a beautiful soul' he voted for the extermination of people like you and me. What makes that beautiful? I'm so disappointed in you. All this to promote a show too? I'm so confused and sad for you Laverne."
Guess we’ll have to pop into that City Winery show to see what additional horrifying surprises might Cox have for us.
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