‘9-1-1’ Star Oliver Stark Responds To Homophobic Comments Over Onscreen Same-Sex Kiss

ABC’s series 9-1-1 marked a special moment in its 100th episode premiere. Australian actor Oliver Stark, 32, who plays firefighter Evan Buckley, shared an onscreen kiss with Lou Ferrigno Jr.‘s character, Tommy Kinard.

Stark has been a part of the show’s main cast since its premiere in 2018. Stark’s character has had numerous onscreen romances, but this is the first time his character was seen with a man. 

“Humbled and overwhelmed by the positive reaction to Buck’s storyline,” the actor shared on his Instagram Story. “I’ve read so many of your messages, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

“If you are one of the smaller group of people commenting on my posts about how this has ruined the show. I would like you to know that I truly don’t care,” he said. “This is a show about love and inclusion. It’s featured queer relationships from the very beginning, including a beautiful Black lesbian marriage played out by two of the best actresses I’ve ever watched.”

“If one other character finding a new facet to his sexuality and realizing his bisexuality is your deal breaker—I fear you’ve missed the entire point of the show,” he continued. “You are not required to announce your departure.”

On the show, actress Aisha Hinds plays Henrietta Wilson, a lesbian firefighter from Buck’s station who is married. Hinds’ character also had a storyline in the series featuring Wilson’s ex-partner, a woman.

Before Buck’s onscreen kiss, fans had speculated that Stark’s character was bisexual with the introduction of Eddie Diaz, played by Ryan Guzman. In the show, Stark and Guzman’s characters have a close relationship, leading fans to speculate the two would become a couple.

However, Buck and Diaz were not confirmed to pursue a relationship by the show’s producers and writers.