15 Most Hated LGBTQ+ Celeb Couples

Public attention can be intense for LGBTQ+ celebrity couples, and some pairs have faced more scrutiny, backlash and tabloid controversy than others. While the reasons vary—ranging from public scandals to career-related disputes—these couples often found themselves navigating challenging media narratives while maintaining their relationships in the spotlight. Here are some notable LGBTQ+ celebrity couples who, at different moments, became frequent targets of criticism or public backlash.

Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have been together since 2004, and their marriage made international headlines when they wed shortly after same-sex marriage became legal in California. Public criticism escalated during controversies surrounding Ellen’s workplace environment on her daytime talk show, which brought renewed attention to the couple. Their relationship also attracted tabloid rumors about separations, which neither confirmed. Despite the scrutiny, they have continued building their lives together and supporting various philanthropic causes.

Sam Smith & Christian Cowan

Singer Sam Smith and fashion designer Christian Cowan’s relationship drew heightened attention due to Smith’s rising global profile and Cowan’s position in the fashion industry. The couple frequently appeared at high-profile events, which fueled discussion on social media. Their public displays of affection occasionally drew online backlash, especially directed toward Smith’s evolving artistic persona. Even with public pressure, they continued collaborating creatively on various fashion-adjacent appearances.

Rosie O’Donnell & Kelli Carpenter

Rosie O’Donnell and Kelli Carpenter married in 2004 and were among the most visible same-sex couples in American entertainment at the time. Public criticism often centered on O’Donnell’s outspoken political views, which inevitably spilled into discussions about their relationship. The couple appeared in various family-focused media projects that attracted both praise and criticism. After their separation, they continued co-parenting their children while navigating the ongoing media attention.

Cara Delevingne & Ashley Benson

Model and actress Cara Delevingne and actress Ashley Benson became a tabloid staple throughout their relationship due to their high-profile careers. The pair faced intense paparazzi coverage, which amplified speculation about their private lives. Online backlash often stemmed from their public breakups and reconciliations, which were frequently reported in entertainment media. Despite the noise, both continued focusing on their film and modeling work.

Kristen Stewart & Soko

Kristen Stewart and French musician Soko’s brief but highly publicized relationship drew significant attention from fans and tabloids alike. The pair’s fast-paced romance led to extensive coverage, particularly during public outings. Social media commentary often turned negative due to the intensity of the publicity surrounding them. Both eventually moved on, continuing with independent artistic projects in film and music.

Ricky Martin & Jwan Yosef

Singer Ricky Martin and visual artist Jwan Yosef married in 2017 and became a prominent same-sex couple in entertainment. Public criticism often arose from misconceptions surrounding Martin’s personal life as he remained in the spotlight. The couple made numerous public appearances to support philanthropic and cultural initiatives. After announcing their separation, they maintained a cooperative approach to co-parenting their children.

Lindsay Lohan & Samantha Ronson

The relationship between actress Lindsay Lohan and DJ Samantha Ronson generated widespread media coverage during the late 2000s. Their on-and-off dynamic was heavily documented by paparazzi at the height of Lohan’s legal and personal challenges. Public criticism frequently stemmed from the tumultuous nature of their appearances together. Although the relationship ended, it remained one of the most publicized LGBTQ+ celebrity relationships of that era.

Ruby Rose & Jessica Origliasso

Actress Ruby Rose and musician Jessica Origliasso of The Veronicas had a long-running on-and-off relationship that drew considerable online commentary. The couple collaborated on music videos and public events, which intensified scrutiny. Public conflict following their breakup led to widespread discussion across social platforms. Both eventually pursued independent music and acting work.

Tegan Quin & Sara Quin (with their respective partners)

As the musicians behind Tegan and Sara rose to mainstream visibility, fans and tabloids occasionally scrutinized their relationships with their respective partners. Increased public attention brought criticism tied to their evolving music style and public personas. The duo remained focused on activism and their artistic careers while navigating interest in their personal lives. Their partners largely stayed out of the public eye despite ongoing curiosity.

Colton Haynes & Jeff Leatham

Actor Colton Haynes and florist Jeff Leatham married in 2017, creating significant buzz across entertainment and lifestyle media. The pair’s separation and reconciliation attempts were widely reported in tabloids. Public backlash occasionally surfaced due to the rapid fluctuations in their relationship timeline. Both individuals have continued to work in their respective creative fields since parting ways.

Anthony Rapp & Ken Ithiphol

Actor Anthony Rapp and social worker Ken Ithiphol have been public about their relationship, particularly surrounding Rapp’s activism and advocacy work. Social media reactions sometimes turned negative when discussions tied to Rapp’s participation in high-profile legal matters surfaced. Despite this, the couple maintained a united front during public appearances. Their commitment to community and charitable work remains central to their public presence.

Cynthia Nixon & Christine Marinoni

Actress and activist Cynthia Nixon and education advocate Christine Marinoni married in 2012. Their relationship often entered political discussions due to Nixon’s work in government and activism. Public criticism often overlapped with debates on policy issues Nixon supported. Regardless, the couple stayed committed to social advocacy and family life.

Tan France & Rob France

‘Queer Eye’ star Tan France and illustrator Rob France’s marriage attracted public attention as Tan’s fame skyrocketed. Criticism sometimes emerged from cultural debates surrounding representation and visibility in mainstream media. The couple remained relatively private, occasionally appearing together in interviews. Their growing family has continued to be a warm focal point of Tan’s public life.

Billie Jean King & Ilana Kloss

Tennis icon Billie Jean King and former player Ilana Kloss have been together for decades, making them one of the longest-standing LGBTQ+ couples in sports. Public scrutiny often accompanied King’s visibility in advocacy and tennis leadership roles. Their partnership became intertwined with numerous philanthropic initiatives related to gender equality and sports access. They continue to appear at major cultural and sporting events.

Elton John & David Furnish

Musician Elton John and filmmaker David Furnish married in 2014 after years together as partners. Their relationship often faced media attention tied to John’s global fame and involvement in high-profile public causes. Social media commentary sometimes criticized their lifestyle due to their visibility in entertainment and philanthropy. Despite mixed public reactions, they remain a prominent couple known for extensive charity work.

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