Michael Imperioli.Photo:Michael Loccisano/Getty
Michael Loccisano/Getty
Michael Imperiolihad a message for “bigots and homophobes”: Don’t watch his projects.The 57-year-old star ofThe SopranosandThe White Lotusseason 2 wrote a postInstagramto share a screenshot of a news report about last week’sSupreme Court rulingprotecting a web designer who refuses to create websites for gay weddings.“I’ve decided to forbid bigots and homophobes from watchingThe Sopranos,The White Lotus,Goodfellasor any movie or tv show I’ve been in,” Imperioli declared. “Thank you Supreme Court for allowing me to discriminate and exclude those who I don’t agree with and am opposed to. USA! USA!”Imperioli’s post came after the nation’s highest court sided 6-3 with a Christian web designer who sought permission to refuse her creative services to LGBTQ+ people.In its decision in the case (known as303 Creative LLC v. Elenis) the Supreme Court held that “the First Amendment prohibits Colorado from forcing a website designer to create expressive designs speaking messages with which the designer disagrees.“Critics have slammed the decision as regressive, arguing that it rolls back hard-fought civil rights for LGBTQ+ Americans and paves the way for businesses to legally discriminate based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.PresidentJoe Bidenwas among those to weigh in on the court’s decision Friday afternoon, saying in a statement: “In America, no person should face discrimination simply because of who they are or who they love.“Fabio Lovino/HBONever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.Imperioli is a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and used Instagram late last month to share aPride Monthmessage beneath a photo of aPride flag: “HAPPY PRIDE 2023! much love to all…stay strong, be fearless, be proud. and make sure to VOTE so we can get the bigots out of office!“One month prior, the actor shared an image of atrans rightsflag, along with the message: “dear brothers, sisters, and siblings. fear not, be strong and don’t let the bastards grind you down. love you.“As someTwitterusers noted, Imperioli also interacted with commenters beneath the photo, telling one critic: “you all make me ashamed. you’re not allowed to watch my shows any more.”
Michael Imperiolihad a message for “bigots and homophobes”: Don’t watch his projects.
The 57-year-old star ofThe SopranosandThe White Lotusseason 2 wrote a postInstagramto share a screenshot of a news report about last week’sSupreme Court rulingprotecting a web designer who refuses to create websites for gay weddings.
“I’ve decided to forbid bigots and homophobes from watchingThe Sopranos,The White Lotus,Goodfellasor any movie or tv show I’ve been in,” Imperioli declared. “Thank you Supreme Court for allowing me to discriminate and exclude those who I don’t agree with and am opposed to. USA! USA!”
Imperioli’s post came after the nation’s highest court sided 6-3 with a Christian web designer who sought permission to refuse her creative services to LGBTQ+ people.
In its decision in the case (known as303 Creative LLC v. Elenis) the Supreme Court held that “the First Amendment prohibits Colorado from forcing a website designer to create expressive designs speaking messages with which the designer disagrees.”
Critics have slammed the decision as regressive, arguing that it rolls back hard-fought civil rights for LGBTQ+ Americans and paves the way for businesses to legally discriminate based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
PresidentJoe Bidenwas among those to weigh in on the court’s decision Friday afternoon, saying in a statement: “In America, no person should face discrimination simply because of who they are or who they love.”
Fabio Lovino/HBO
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.
Imperioli is a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and used Instagram late last month to share aPride Monthmessage beneath a photo of aPride flag: “HAPPY PRIDE 2023! much love to all…stay strong, be fearless, be proud. and make sure to VOTE so we can get the bigots out of office!”
One month prior, the actor shared an image of atrans rightsflag, along with the message: “dear brothers, sisters, and siblings. fear not, be strong and don’t let the bastards grind you down. love you.”
As someTwitterusers noted, Imperioli also interacted with commenters beneath the photo, telling one critic: “you all make me ashamed. you’re not allowed to watch my shows any more.”
source: people.com
