Arts & Entertainment

Bijou Phillips apologizes for gay-shaming Daniel Franzese on set of ‘Bully’

the two actors starred in the 2001 film together

Published

7 years ago

November 13, 2017

Mariah Cooper

(Daniel Franzese. Photo by Bigstock.)

Bijou Phillips has apologized for gay-shaming and harassing her “Bully” co-star Daniel Franzese.

Franzese, also known for his roles on “Mean Girls” and “Looking,” accused Phillips of being homophobic and fat-shaming him on the set of the 2001 film “Bully.”

Citing Ellen Page’s decision to call out actor Brett Ratner for outing her as a teen, Franzese detailed his story of abuse he suffered from Phillips on Facebook.

“She kept loudly saying ‘Are you gay?!’ and laughing‪ while ‬the producers‪ ‬and photographer did nothing‪ ‬to stop her,” Franzese writes about Phillips.

“She continued to say ‘Are You Gay?!’ Like 10 times making sure to be loud enough for everyone to hear I reluctantly told her i was bi. Which at the time was how I was choosing to‪ ‬identify as ‘Q’ wasn’t known to be an option yet and to be honest I don’t know that I had many gay experiences at the time my life,” Franzese went on. “She cackled and‪ said ’HA! He’s bi! And then when I showed up to work the next day in front of the crew she was screaming ‘Oh look! The Bi guy is here!’”

Franzese also says Phillips laughed at him when he had to take his shirt off for a scene.

“So I take my shirt off in the scene and she breaks character and she pointed at my body and at the top of her lungs yelled “Ewwww gross!!!” She laughed and pointed at me and continued to berate me. they call cut and I had to walk off set to collect myself,” Franzese writes.

Phillips told TMZ that she apologizes for her behavior as a teenager and has also privately apologized to Franzese.

“I was a teenager and reckless in my behavior. I know Daniel to be a trustworthy and honest person, and to find out through social media that I was not the friend I thought I was to him made me so sad,” Phillips told TMZ.“I am so mortified by this behavior and have contacted Daniel and apologized to him privately. I am not and never have been homophobic. I have nothing but love for the LGBTQ community and Daniel.”

Franzese tweeted that he accepts Phillips apology but that her story is only one of many he has faced in the film industry.

Thread: I forgive @BijouPhillips because I don’t know her private story either. I shared this story only to bring light to a dark memory.

— Daniel Franzese (@WhatsupDanny) November 13, 2017

It was 18years ago. She has sent me an apology I accept. It would be nice to see her make a donation to @TrevorProject or something.

— Daniel Franzese (@WhatsupDanny) November 13, 2017

This is not the only tale of horror or horrible people I have been around in the film industry.

— Daniel Franzese (@WhatsupDanny) November 13, 2017

I’m not a perfect person by any means but I always try to treat people with respect. Especially as an adult.

— Daniel Franzese (@WhatsupDanny) November 13, 2017

Hopefully we can move forward into a future where film sets are a more professional environment.

— Daniel Franzese (@WhatsupDanny) November 13, 2017

Related Topics:Bijou Phillips bully Daniel Franzese

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Arts & Entertainment

Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2025

Staff reports

The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.

With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].

Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.

“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”

Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.

Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.

Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.

Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.

Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.

Event Details:

📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP

Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com