‘White Lotus’ Star Michael Imperioli Slams Supreme Court’s LGBTQ Rights Ruling

Michael Imperioli blasted the Supreme Court’s decision to side in favor of a Christian web designer’s right to refuse to create websites that celebrate same-sex weddings. 

Imperioli took his opinion onto Instagram stating, “I’ve decided to forbid bigots and homophobes from watching The Sopranos, The White Lotus, Goodfellas or any movie or tv show I’ve been in. Thank you Supreme Court for allowing me to discriminate and exclude those who I don’t agree with and am opposed to. USA! USA!”

He additionally included a picture of a headline that reads, “Supreme Court protects web designer who won’t do gay wedding websites.”

Fans had mixed reactions to his post. One said, “It’s her beliefs, bet you wouldn’t challenge a Muslim on their beliefs and take on homosexuality would you.”

Others agreed with his opinion, commenting, “Preach @realmichaelimperioli Thanks for this. Totally agree with this. I hate bigots who come see my shows.”

Imperioli added several remarks in the comments stating, “hate and ignorance is not a legitimate point of view,” and “America is becoming dumber by the minute.”

The Supreme Court’s decision came on Friday, ironically on the last day of Pride Month, and ruled 6-3 in favor of Lorie Smith, a web designer in Colorado who refuses to create web content for same-sex weddings due to her religious views. 

Justice Neil Gorsuch penned the decision with five other conservative justices. The decision stated that the First Amendment does not allow the state to control what Smith believes and the messages she chooses to express. 

A dissent was penned by Justice Sonia Sotomayor with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Justice Elena Kagan, all known to be liberal.

Sotomayor stated in her dissent that, “[T]he decision itself inflicts a kind of stigmatic harm, on top of any harm caused by denials of service. The opinion of the Court is, quite literally, a notice that reads: ‘Some services may be denied to same-sex couples.’ ”

Since the ruling, many, including President Joe Biden, have voiced concern that other LGBTQ rights may be taken away. Biden openly criticized the decision and expressed his worry about future discrimination against LGBTQ Americans that could occur based on the ruling.